Beyond the call of duty

A TEACHER’S contribution doesn’t end when they step out of the classroom.

Their role and responsibilities stretch from guiding and educating, to building a bond with students and parents so that effective learning can take place.

Every student is different – varying in needs, learning styles and abilities.

Prior to March, all these were part and parcel of the job. Home visits and staying back after school to give extra classes or counsel students who needed that extra bit of motivation, were the norm.

Then Covid-19 hit. Social distancing meant everyone – including teachers – had to adjust to a new normal.

E-learning became something they had to master. Experienced teachers found themselves having to create interactive content and videos while learning new tech-skills to utilise the various online platforms – despite the limited guidance and training.

To assist teachers and prepare them for the new norm post-MCO, the National Union of Teaching Profession (NUTP) has embarked on an ambitious study to benefit educators here and around the world.

The ‘Post Covid-19 Pandemic Schooling Research Based on Social Distancing Pedagogy’ study is the “first-of-its-kind”, said NUTP president Aminuddin Awang.

The study, he said, aims to provide a schooling pedagogy based on social distancing as a guide to all teachers.

“This is so they are better prepared to undertake ‘new normal’ pedagogical practices in the classroom and continue to do so in the same manner wherever they are, under the same set of circumstances.

“Teaching is a science, and it must not be left to the whims and fancies of anyone who wants to teach.“Through this study, we are able to standardise teaching in a social distancing environment, which is important for all teachers as teaching is, in essence, teamwork.”

NUTP wants continuity and stability in the teaching profession, he said, as teachers are responsible for nurturing young lives.

Experts from various specialties and disciplines were involved in the study, covering different aspects of the curriculum and even the needs of school counsellors.

The study’s main task force also involves school administrators, academicians, Education Ministry officers, Excellent Teachers Award recipients, headmasters, lecturers, NUTP members, parents and teachers nationwide.

Lauding teachers for their contribution to the nation, Education Minister Dr Mohd Radzi Md Jidin said this year, celebrations for Teachers Day, which fell on Saturday, could not be carried out like in previous years but it did not mean that the ministry was not appreciative of teachers.

“We must appreciate teachers everyday. But Teachers Day is an extra special day for them where students can express their gratitude.

“Teachers Day commemorates the effort and time they’ve clocked in to guide the future leaders of our nation, ” he said, noting that it was impressive to witness how dedicated teachers were adjusting to virtual teaching for the sake of their students throughout the MCO.

“The pandemic has pushed teachers to become more innovative and creative in delivering lessons via online learning, ” he said during a Monday night live Teachers Day interview on TV.