Finding North
APEC learning facilitator Jhanine Barateta shares how one student helped her see that a personal touch could overcome the challenges of distance learning.
Jhanine Barateta, 26, is a learning facilitator at APEC Schools.
The challenges of distance learning made me realize the truth in the saying that “stars shine brightest when the night is dark.”
I will never forget one student who was very shy in the classroom. His previous teachers told me that he would raise his hand and attempt to recite, but he couldn’t express his thoughts clearly. I really wanted to help him because he has potential.
When the lockdown was implemented, we followed the DepEd's order to release grades based on students' performance on the first to the third quarter of the school year. But we didn't want our students to think that learning was just about the final grade. We didn’t want to compromise their learning experience, so we went out of our way to reach them, even if the school year had officially been “closed.”
Relearning how to learn
With the help of APEC Schools' content team, we sent out lesson guides via Google classroom. We were always on that platform, updating the students and answering their questions. It was challenging because it was different from what we were used to, but it made me realize that learning and teaching remotely are really possible.
““That shy student who stuttered in the classroom suddenly came out of his shell.””
Some students even thrived in the new set-up. That shy student who stuttered in the classroom suddenly came out of his shell. Perhaps he was more comfortable with the one-on-one sessions, and grew more confident with each interaction. He kept on asking questions and showing eagerness to learn, though he already received his grades for the school year.
Teachers always appreciate it when students are curious and actively participate in discussions. We are invigorated by the energy in the classroom. This shy student taught me that online learning can be as human and as interactive as face-to-face learning. With the right attitude and technology, we can make it work. Everyone can eventually adapt.
True connections. Jhanine believes that teaching is about the journey of learning and nurturing each student’s curiosity and gifts—whether in the classroom, or online.
Preparing for the New Classroom
But of course, there were challenges, particularly the lack of available online modules for students. I personally took the initiative of looking for materials and sharing them with my students. I also had to find ways to spark their curiosity and engage them. Modules can help explain a concept, but it is still the teachers who show its relevance and tailor the activities to the students’ needs and interests. In distance learning, the human connection is just as important as internet connection.
Distance learning is also asking us teachers to become students, too. I had to find ways to improve and assess the learning experience of my students and my effectiveness as a learning facilitator. So now, during the break, I also spend most of my free time joining webinars to upskill myself.
Class of 2020. While graduation rites were cancelled because of quarantine, APEC Schools still recognized the achievements of their top students, and the hard work of every student (and their parents!) in their social media pages. Source: APECSchools Facebook page
Finding North
I guess the greatest motivator for me right now is the support from APEC Schools. They really did not let me down when it comes to supporting us. Financially speaking, we were still given our complete salaries and full health benefits. They also made teleconsultation available via FamilyDoc for our physical and mental health concerns. It's really a big help.
““[The crisis] disrupts traditions, and it’s up to us to find new ways to survive and move forward.” ”
I have many realizations during the lockdown. But I guess the silver lining to the crisis brought by the pandemic is that we're learning to adapt. It disrupts traditions, and it's up to us to find new ways to survive and move forward.
As a teacher, I realized that my main goal is to make my students the best versions of themselves. I want them to shine, even in this dark night—and their light, like the North star that would guide sailors through unfamiliar waters, will help all of us through these uncertain times.#—as told to Rhys Buccat
PUBLISHED AUGUST 26, 2020
