Students, on one hand, call for
the immediate conclusion of the current semester, and in effect will give them
a passing mark for all their subjects. They termed it as "mass
promotion." School administrators, on the other hand, try to provide the
best and most convenient way of continuing the semester despite the lockdown,
as well as its transition to classroom education once the lockdown is lifted.
Some schools have given in to the students’ demands, some have not, and the
students grow restless each passing day, poised to pressure their respective
school administrators to wave the white flag.
Looking back at the beginning of
the community quarantine, professors and students alike were intrigued with the
proposed online classes and online assignments. It’s somewhat exciting since it
is something that has never been done before. However, it cannot be denied that
not all students have ready access to a fast and reliable internet connection,
as well as educational equipment and resources. Citing fair treatment, students
called for consideration.
Thus, the institution that I work
for suspended online classes and directed professors to require students to
submit all their outputs after the resumption of classes, to which I readily
obliged.
But as the lockdown was extended
and the number of COVID-19 cases increased, a handful of schools decided to end
the semester and gave all students a passing mark. They justified their action
by pointing out the worsening health condition in our country and that students
need to devote their time to their health, as well as to those of their loved
ones. This was applauded by some, mostly from our students. Finding an ally
from these schools, students called for compassion.
Schools that did not follow the
lead are suddenly under fire and are being labeled as uncompassionate. I,
myself, continue to observe online learning by sending home works via email
pursuant to our school’s guidelines. I could only guess that many of my
students are cursing at me right now. I hope not. We, professors, are now
calling for understanding.
Students should understand that
just like them, their professors are also dealing with the harsh effects of
this global pandemic. Professors are also making sure that they are in their
best health while doing their job, attending to their family’s needs, going to
the groceries, and giving moral support to their relatives who have contracted
the virus.
Sadly, as the call of the
students for mass promotion echoes, I have personally experienced the coldness
of my students. My beadles would not reply to my email anymore. I Just recently
sent them their long quiz/midterm examination, again to be submitted upon the
resumption of classes, but I did not even get an acknowledgment reply, which
they were quick to do pre-mass promotion calls.
Students should instead call the
attention of the school administrators on professors who give unreasonable
homework during this lockdown. Imposing the immediate conclusion of the
semester could be a quick and easy fix for some students, but not necessarily
beneficial and apt in the long run.
The world might have stopped
because of the virus, but education must go on. And in this extraordinary time,
students who are still diligent with their academics whilst battling this
elusive enemy will surely become a better person when the world opens up again.
It’s part of the training for the tougher life that lies ahead. And my students
who fit this bill might just be rewarded with a grade of 100 - the only grade
that I could think of for braving this global pandemic.
Now that’s how to end this war.
Both sides win.
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