Exploring the Experiences of Filipino Parents on Distance Learning During COVID-19 Pandemic
Keywords:
Distance learning, Blended learning, Covid-19, Parents’ experiences, Filipino parentsAbstract
This study was undertaken to explore the challenges faced by parents in teaching-learning situations with their children during this COVID-19 pandemic year. It employed a qualitative method through virtual focus group discussion/ interview via Google Meet with 11 parent-respondents whose children were enrolled under the blended online modality from across all grade levels in a public elementary school in Quezon City, Philippines to constructively assess and improve the strategies used by both teachers and parents to teacher the students during the health crisis. The findings suggested that parents described their experience regarding distance and blended learning as difficult and tiring because of the following reasons: time management, child discipline and supervision, knowledge on lessons, students’ distraction from mobile games and YouTube videos available online and others (internet connection/gadget sharing). The parent-participants stated that the school and teachers were very responsive and supportive of their needs and queries and that they constantly communicate through a group chat messaging function in Facebook messenger. The parents observed there was an increased level of independence among their children but lower levels of their socialization skills. The researcher recommends the conduct of virtual or live (in person) parenting and values formation seminars and parent-help-parent program (PHPP) to enhance parental involvement and sharing of best practices among them to help other parents which may be done with the help of the Teachers’ Club (TC), General Parent Teacher Association (GPTA), Homeroom Parent Teachers Association (HRPTA) and the local community council. The research suggested further studies on teachers and students’ experiences to improve the school’s planning, strategies and streamlining of policies for the implementation of learning modality during this time of pandemic and in the coming years.
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