THE PRESENT EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM in the Philippines

According to DepEd Secretary Briones, the health and safety of learners and teachers will be given a high premium, the reason why face to face learning is not a priority now. The government is trying its very best in providing a “step up” to the usual mode of instruction. With distance learning, challenges will be faced along the way. Some may say that learning will not be effective. It will not be the same of course, but we should keep in mind that the responsibility for the learning of students does not rely solely on the government and the teachers. The responsibility is also on the side of the parents/guardians. The role of parents/guardians is to help their children set up a structured schedule for learning at home. This may seem simple but it is challenging on their part especially those underprivileged whose everyday goal is just to survive. Others may also say that our country is not ready for this new mode of instruction. The pedagogy in distance learning, as well as the other modalities mentioned, is very different from that with face-to-face teaching. Some teachers are even struggling with designing learning activities meant for distant learners and most of our students have limited access to technology and other resources.

While the Department of Education is struggling to carry the burden of the challenges to this ‘new normal’ in education, local government units also play a crucial role. Each local government unit in the Philippines should coordinate with schools for the distribution of learning materials to their respective communities. Schools and local government units should work together to support and empower education in every community.

We are all experimenting, grappling with all the techniques, and improvising. We are all hoping that there will come a time when all of these things will settle. But right now, we’re in that stage of trial and error. Distance learning should not be the main focus. The focus should be on how to make effective learning by improving access to the medium. When the school and its stakeholders work together, we can help establish structures that the students need to receive the quality education they deserve even in this time of uncertainty.

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