For several months now, the world has been under a major influence¾the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19), which caused a sudden transition from the orthodox of life and living to the “new normal” standards. Different sectors conformed to the ways imposed to lessen the spread of the virus; one of these is the education sector, one of the most affected by this pandemic.

As the world indefinitely deviates from its mainstream, adaptation of the new trends and norms were imposed. In the Philippines, one of the manifestations of these alterations is the shift from June to October in the opening of classes and the modification of the K-12 Curriculum which is now focused on the Most Essential Learning Competencies. The delivery modality of lessons was also altered, from the traditional face-to-face it turned into online classes, modular, and TV/Radio-based. Such changes were massive given the timeframe for the preparations of the materials, as well as the preparedness of the schools and the teachers.

            Despite the restrictions implemented for the fight against COVID-19, learning should not stop; huge leaps must be done in order to impart knowledge and skills, especially at these trying times. One challenge encountered in education during this crisis was the first-hand experiences of students for certain subject areas, such as Physical Education (PE). Since PE requires kinesthetic and physical responses and applications, the goal is to keep students’ adept with the practical skills based on the most essential learning competencies.

            Physical Education teachers scramble for creative ways for a PE class. Online classes may somehow provide adequate instruction learning as teachers and students see face-to-face virtually which makes the demonstration of the different practicums and activities are somewhat easier to understand. Students may easily ask for clarification for the skills and concepts being taught which is almost similar to the traditional classroom set-up. Indeed, technology has magnificently played its role during these difficult times. But the reality still remains, not everyone has access to technology, specifically, to online classes. Theories and concepts are mostly the only ones presented in modular students, either printer or digitized, which almost abandons the real idea behind physical education¾movement. Such situations took the challenge to the next level, PE teachers made immense efforts to still impart the necessary skills and competencies through the visuals that are present in the module which are being explained by the teacher for better visualization and imagination of the students.

These hindrances will surely be the stepping-stones to persevere in order to provide quality education given the COVID-19 restrictions. As Duke Ellington once said, “A problem is a chance for you to do your best.” Undeniably, teachers are one of the most resilient people when it comes to tough times like this because their desire to impart knowledge is far greater than the problem in front of them. No amount of difficulty can ever restrain a teacher whose passion is to guide the younger generation into the best kind of learning possible.

Reference:

Wise Sayings, (2000-2001). Words to Live By: A Collection of Inspirational, Wise, and Humorous Quotes. Retrieved from: https://www.wisesayings.com/problems-quotes/

           

           

           

By: Precious Lagrisola Destreza| Naparing, Dinalupihan, Bataan