As the country’s education system shifts to distance learning due to the coronavirus pandemic, a neophyte lawmaker has urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to also find ways to educate parents about their roles in using the method.
“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,” Rizal 2nd District Rep. Fidel Nograles said.
“Now’s as good a time as any for the children to learn to become more resourceful.”
The lawmaker said that with millions of households suddenly thrust in new and more active roles, it was crucial that parents also be guided on how they can properly monitor their children’s education progress.
As of June 16, DepEd reported that 11,302,382 students have registered remotely or by using the virtual enrollment system for both public and private schools in the basic education level.
Of this number, 10,941,619 learners have enrolled in public schools, while 355,045 have registered in private schools.
“Turuan din natin ang mga magulang na magsisilbing bagong guro. How do they engage their kids, paano nila magagabayan para tutok sa pag-aaral ang mga anak nila?,” Nograles said.
The solon recognized that there are many unique challenges under the new method especially for parents.
Parents would have to split their time between their jobs and their children’s schooling, he said.
There are many unique challenges under the new method especially for parents.
“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,” said Nograles.
Nograles also urged parents to teach their children life skills that would supplement their formal education.
“Now’s as good a time as any for the children to learn to become more resourceful. Turuan natin sila para maging maalam sila sa buhay. Pagluluto, pag-aalaga ng halaman, kahit pa pag-tugtog ng musical instrument—malaki ang maia-ambag ng mga ito sa overall development ng mga bata.”