From Sir Mike Denosta’s fresh perspectives
As we approach the Holidays, we are especially reminded of the challenges that teachers have faced during this pandemic. It also further highlights the sacrifice, skills and judgment of teachers and how they influence the future of childrens’ education.
Teachers are the closest witnesses who can provide authoritative observations on the challenges that the students have to endure and what they themselves as teachers have to tackle in this pandemic. The teachers’ ability to adjust, experience, and wherewithal are significant to solving the challenges brought on by the pandemic.
This piece is from the viewpoint of Michael Gregory D. Denosta, a Management and English professor at Laguna Colleges, on what it’s like to teach during the pandemic.
“Just like everyone else, the teachers were caught off-guard by the consequences brought on by the pandemic,” said Mike Denosta.
The only delivery option they have is to teach in a virtual environment. Many teachers were not as enthusiastic as the students as they were not trained to teach online. But as teachers, their heart is in providing education and thus had to adjust to the current environment. After all, the kids and their safety is paramount.
Mr. Denosta found himself constantly asking the question, “What’s the most important thing the students have to do or know in an online learning scenario?” He intimated that the most important things kids need to learn are still reading, writing, discussion, choice, authenticity, and creativity. “I have become a teacher whose focus is on developing skills and competency rather than learning knowledge for the sake of knowledge,” said Mr. Denosta.
Mr. Denosta became a teacher because he likes to spend time mentoring children and watching them grow and develop intellectually. That has proved a lot more challenging at this time. He is of the opinion and belief shared by most teachers that virtual teaching requires a lot more work and preparation than in-person teaching. It’s not an ideal scenario, but it’s the only viable and safest option at this time. “As I have stated earlier, our priority is the safety of the children,” said Mr. Denosta. “But, it’s hard to be in front of the computer all day.” Mr. Denosta also stated that keeping the children’s focus is a lot more demanding especially when you also have to contend with technical issues such as interruptions in Internet service.
When schools were forced to shift to online learning, it was not only the students who found themselves without access to the Internet. Many teachers, just like students, did not have laptops or other devices that enabled them to access the Internet. Mr. Denosta said, “Where I work as a college professor and a high school instructor, some of the teachers were forced to buy computers and install Internet connections to be able to join their students in virtual learning.”
Mr. Denosta lamented that cheating has become rampant in this online environment. Being at home and having access to the Internet where kids can “Google” answers to test questions have proved to be quite a task for most teachers. “It’s like conducting an ‘open book’ test all the time,” bemoaned Mr. Denosta. This is where a teacher’s creativity comes into focus, and that is, how to formulate test questions that require time to answer.
Mr. Denosta has a message to all students, and that is “The challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic may cause you to lose courage or confidence, but it can be an opportunity for growth and positive changes. Try to be hopeful and resilient despite the difficulties you have to face. Let us draw strength from each other as we pray for healing around the world. May this situation help us realize that the Lord is always with us and will never leave us.”
It may not seem obvious, but the pandemic has taken a toll on everyone’s physiological and mental health. Not being able to physically interact with one’s classmates and teachers in a more social setting negatively affects one in more ways than you can think of. It is advisable to monitor yourself. Take time to analyze your feelings and frustrations. Take breaks, stretch, walk around, move your eyelids in rapid succession. All these will help you relax. If you think you need help, reach out to someone.
The Holidays are upon us and will give teachers and students alike time away from their computers and the rigors of online learning. Stay safe as always.
Is it still too early to say, Merry Christmas, Everyone?
About Michael D. Denosta
Michael Dantic Denosta has a BSBA in Management and an AB in English degrees. He worked for 15 years at BPI and started teaching in 2006. He first taught several subjects in High School including English, Journalism, Speech and Oral Communication, Reading and Writing. He soon transitioned to teaching in College where he taught Management Courses like Operations, Strategic Marketing, Human Resource, Logistics, Business Ethics, Financial Markets, Banking and Finance, Social Responsibility and Good Governance. He regularly attends Continuing Professional Education classes to keep up with teaching trends and to keep himself up-to-date with the courses that he teaches.
