ZAMBOANGA CITY, Aug. 18 (PIA) - As schools in Zamboanga Peninsula gear up for the new academic year, Commission on Higher Education 9 (CHED 9) continuously encourages schools to gradually implement the full face-to-face learning modality.
Dr. Joe-an Cuaresma, Supervising Education Program Specialist of CHED-9, emphasized that face-to-face learning ensures a better understanding and recollection of lesson content, provides students chance to bond with one another and can learn more easily in a familiar and traditional classroom situation, and allows sharing of knowledge that can also shape expertise in the field of communication.
“The opening of schools will help student’s mental health and their face-to-face interaction has a positive effect on students in universities,” she added.
However, CHED Memorandum Order series of 2020, outlining the guidelines for flexible learning, remains in effect, allowing Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to continue implementing the hybrid learning. Meanwhile, face-to-face learning is encouraged in rural areas due to the network and technology constraints.
Based on the report of CHED-9, there are institutions that continue to implement a blended learning platform with three days online classes and three days face-to-face classes. This strategy is being adopted because some schools are currently in the process of gradually adapting to the new normal. These schools require additional time to enhance their facilities and expand classroom capacity in order to accommodate the influx of students for the academic year 2023-2024. HEIs also recognize the advantages of online learning, particularly for individuals who are working while pursuing their education.
Moreso, CHED hopes that schools will be embracing the use of technology as it embarks on a journey toward educational innovation and adaptability.
CHED-9 continues to provide scholarship programs extending access to education and supporting individuals in completing their studies.
“To our students please do not allow yourself to stay in the situation where you are now, go to school and get proper education,’’ Cuaresma said. (KSA/RVC/MLE/JQB-GIP/PIA9-Zamboanga City)
