Maguindanao teacher conducts face-to-face classes for 3 pupils

PARANG, Maguindanao —Officials of a village in the town have converted a portion of the barangay hall into temporary classroom for some pupils.

A school teacher has been holding daily classes for her Grade 4 pupils in response to parents’ request to allow the conduct of face-to-face classes rather  than having instructions done through modules and distance learning.

Since children and minors are not allowed outside the village, local officials of Brgy. Nituan of the municipality of Parang have allowed the use of a portion of the barangay hall for three learners and a teacher.

The three pupils use face masks, face shields, and strictly observe physical distancing protocols, according to teacher Almera Mapatil.

Mapatil said face-to-face teaching is more effective than modular classes, and distance learning.

Also, Mapatil insisted that the face-to-face learning was requested by the children’s parents.

Classes in private schools started last August 24, while public schools officially begin the school year on October 5.

Nituan official Eduardo Plecerda said the parents and the school administrator of a private school in the town have agreed to ask local officials to temporarily allow the use of the barangay hall as classroom.

“The teachers go to pupils' residence and teach there because children are not allowed to go out of the village,” he said.

But the Department of Education has not given yet a go-signal for face-to-face classes in public schools, and limited traditional classroom instructions would still wait until January 2021.  —LBG, GMA News