SEVERAL parents believe that full-scale physical classes are more effective than online classes, which have become a norm ever since the Covid-19 pandemic started.
They gave their feedback to Buletin Mutiara during a random survey today.
This came following a decision by the Education Ministry that primary students with special needs from Sekolah Kebangsaan Pendidikan Khas (SKPK) and Integrated Special Education Programme (PPKI) as well as Year 1, 2, 6 students and Supplementary Food Programme (RMT) recipients would have to attend physical sessions whereas Year 3, 4 and 5 pupils could attend classes on a rotational basis.
Teoh Hooi Kheng, who is one of the concerned parents, said the people should accept reality that Covid-19 has already become a norm to everyone.
” As usual, what we need to do is to adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and do our part well.
“We can’t keep isolating at home most of the time as we need to work and our kids need to attend physical classes as well.
“The schools’ authorities, on their part, must take extra preventive measures by ensuring that all the students follow the SOPs.
“My children, aged seven and eight, have already returned to their school,” she said.
Another parent, Teh Wee Cheong, said online classes proved to be major obstacles for some pupils.
“The schools’ authorities must also ensure that the kids, especially primary pupils, are able to adapt to physical classes.
“Keeping children at home for long term is not the best solution,” he said.
Another parent, who only wished to be known as Boey, wanted the government to at least give alternatives to the parents.
“Let us decide if we want to send our kids to schools or even to learn from online classes.
“As of now, the pandemic situation is still yet to fully recover. We still need to be vigilant,” he added.
A secondary school teacher, who only prefers to be known as Jessica, hoped the education authorities could standardise the classes for all the pupils.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix courtesy of interviewees