KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 14 — The reopening of face-to-face schooling sessions in stages according to the phases of the states under the National Recovery Plan (NRP) is seen as a preparatory step to ensure that students can return to enjoy school life.
Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM) counselling psychologist, Prof Datuk Dr Mohamed Fadzil Che Din, said the careful reopening of the school session was able to help the socio-emotional development of students in adapting to the real educational environment.
If the school is not open for too long and students continue home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) sessions, it will affect their interest and focus on learning activities, because the PdPR method is limited.
“Students actually have to go through four learning processes, namely absorbing information, storing, analysing and then producing information, which is more effective when implemented face to face, and ensures that students’ education is not stifled,” he said when contacted by Bernama.
In fact, he said school is the best place for students to get a perfect education because there are complete facilities, a good curriculum and expertise where teachers can help students improve emotional, mental and physical development, as well as build their future.
At the same time, the reopening of schools in phases can also help schools, including teachers and support groups, to assess the smooth running of school sessions in the Covid-19 pandemic situation, and improve weaknesses if necessary.
“Schools which are allowed to operate first can be used as a simulation model in ensuring safety is improved and compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) is monitored, thus increasing the confidence of parents to allow their children to return to school,” he said.
Meanwhile, former Education director-general, Tan Sri Abdul Ghafar Mahmud, described the reopening of face-to-face schooling sessions according to the phases of the NRP, as a conservative measure and too careful.
However, he said that such measures and planning are important at this time as the situation of the Covid-19 pandemic in the country is still in a state of uncertainty, and vaccination of students has yet to be implemented.
In fact, he said the method of rotating students on a weekly basis that will be implemented will also be able to attract students returning to school after a long period of following PdPR.
“In the current situation, rotating students is practical, especially in monitoring students on compliance with SOPs, such as physical distancing and wearing face masks.
“Based on the previous reopening of the school, I am sure the students are excited to be able to return to school, but the school, especially teachers, need to be firm in monitoring compliance with SOPs among their students,” he said.
On September 12, Senior Minister of Education, Datuk Seri Dr Radzi Jidin, announced that the face-to-face schooling sessions would commence on October 3 according to the phases of the states under the NRP, and students would be rotated on a weekly basis at a rate of 50 per cent of the total capacity, to reduce the number of students in class and the risk of Covid-19 infection.
— Bernama
