Face to face classes in schools have been cancelled for the past two years due to the outbreak of Covid-19 which led to issues in quality of education around the world, especially in countries where technology and net connection has not met global standards. This cancellation has undeniably affected the learning of pupils and their performance.
This shows that for the most part of the world, like the Philippines, face-to-face classes is not an option but a must for pupils to learn.
In comparative studies done between students of distance learning (modular) and conventional face to face, it was found that those who under distance learning had significant lower scores in areas of proficiency in participation, communication, preparation, critical thinking and group skills (Fu, Chung, & Chu, 2021), while perception of students likewise showed belief that face-toface contribute more to their learning (Salamuddin, 2021)
Although there are some studies whose findings say there is no significant difference between the students’ performance in face-to-face and online, these contexts are in places where access to technology and high-speed internet is not a problem. These are also possible in adult learners where self-directed learning or learning with minimal supervision is possible.
As a primary school teacher, I found the necessity of close guidance and monitoring of pupils. And this can be more effectively done in face-to-face classes done thru modular or online. Pupils or young learners are very much dependent for instructions and explanations. With varying levels, providing help to each pupil in modular and online set-up will be a challenge and shall consume much time and energy.
While there could be subjects that could be done in the modular form or perhaps online, most competencies to be learned by pupils are best acquired through face to face, especially in terms of second language acquisition, arithmetic, critical thinking, socialization and teamwork. Added to the problem is the unavailability of teacher guide at home where learners could easily run to when there are things they need help with.
With the implementation of the full face-to-face classes in November, we could expect children to be provided with better guidance and to be performing better.
We know that we cannot do away with face-to-face classes and that learning together in one place for the kids will not only improve IQ and EQ but social intelligence to function well in their communities when they grow old. The importance of face-to-face classes in the learning of our pupils must be emphasized and must be provided support it we want a better future for them.
By: Cinderella P. Ananayo/Teacher I
Sto. Tomas Elementary School, Maddela District I, Quirino Province
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