Our Philippines correspondent Rafi Sartin takes a look at how UEC Philippines is adapting to online teaching
The education sector in the Philippines pivoted the most due to the pandemic. Many households have transitioned to home-schooling instead of a face to face class in school. Some, still enrolled in school, chose to subscribe to blended learning where online meetings are supplemented by monthly submission of accomplished modules.
With the human need to socialize and a huge gap in teaching methods, there is a more pressing need for enrichment programs such as the Unique English Classroom. Franchisees and teachers alike are now compelled to learn the ins and outs of teaching online.
Research shows that students feel less engaged (in online classes) and that there is a 10-20% higher dropout rate in these classes than in-person classes. Teachers therefore must find ways to connect more with their students in remote teaching and learning situations. This is from the Department of Education Webinar of Melinda Dela Pena Bandalaria, PhD Chancellor and Professor of the University of the Philippines Open University
Earlier this July, Enrich Asia conducted an online webinar for teachers and franchisees on How to Effectively Teach Online. The objective is to forge a stronger connection between the teacher and the student amidst distance or remote learning. In the 2-hour meeting, the attendees had a Zoom refresher – Zoom being the primary tool used for online teaching, a discussion on branding and camera presence and most importantly, how to engage the student.
One of the many online teaching strategies is to be comfortable with technology. Strong and consistent internet connection is elusive in the Philippines and thus there is no room to be ignorant with the online tools used. The young generation are more impatient than ever that’s why holding their focus is a feat in itself. Minimizing “dead air” can be done if the teacher can work around the tools that he or she knows. The learning and the teaching must not stop with slow internet connection. It is a constant challenge, but it can be done.
Another strategy is to have a strong online presence. Teachers are advised to up their game in front of the camera. Good quality audio and video equipment, virtual backgrounds, make up are now musts. Online teaching is not simply a video call form a distant relative from another country and therefore, must be professionally done.
Finally, forging a personal connection must be maintained with the student. The teacher need not be best friends with the family nor with the student, but their task is to simply make the online class a part of the child’s pleasant daily routine. Establishing rapport can be as simple as asking what they ate for breakfast, or what’s the name of their stuffed toy and then, remembering to use that information in learning. By learning a student’s like and dislikes and blending it as examples mentioned in the lesson or in word problems, the students will be more engaged to finish the task because they feel the significance of it in their lives.
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