By Ellson Quismorio
Parents also need to be taught how to handle "distance learning" for their kids this coming school year.
This is according to Rizal 2nd district Rep. Fidel Nograles as the Department of Education (DepEd) gears up for the opening of school year 2020-21 on Aug. 24 under the new normal, where there won't be any face-to-face learning between students and teachers.
Department of Education (MANILA BULLETIN)
“Since parents will be de facto teachers under the distance learning method, I hope the DepEd has also considered teaching the parents so they are aware of their roles under the new system,” said the neophyte solon.
“Turuan din natin ang mga magulang na magsisilbing bagong guro (Let's teach the parents how they can take on the role as new teachers). How do they engage their kids, paano nila magagabayan para tutok sa pag-aaral ang mga anak nila? (how can they ensure that their kids would focus on studying?)" he asked.
DepEd bared these past weeks that distance learning "will involve several learning methods, most notably online classes where student and teacher can still have two-way communication."
The department is also studying the use of broadcast television and radio as a means of instruction.
The lawyer-solon recognized that there were many unique challenges under the new method. For example, parents would have to split their time between their jobs and their children’s schooling, he said.
“Napakahalaga na magkaroon ng support mechanism ang mga magulang para sa mga hamon na haharapin sa pag-aaral ng mga anak nila. Magiging susi ito lalo na sa mga maliliit na pamilya kung saan nagta-trabaho ang magulang at walang maiiwan para bantayan ang bata (It's important for parents to have a support mechanism in facing challenges brought about by their children's studies. This will be key especially for small families, where the parents have to leave their kids in order to go to work)," said Nograles.
He noted that it's crucial for parents to also be guided on how they can properly monitor their children’s progress.
DepEd reported that as of June 16, some 11,302,382 students have registered via the remote or virtual enrollment system for both public and private schools in the basic education level.
Of this number, 10,941,619 learners enrolled in public schools, while 355,045 have registered in private schools.
Nograles also urged parents to teach their children life skills that would supplement their formal education. “Now is a good time as children need to learn to become more resourceful," he said.