Hear it from the teachers

We have put a lot of work into preparing a safe environment for our students. We made sure that the classes were thoroughly sanitised, and that the students’ desks were arranged in accordance with the Education Ministry’s guidelines. Loudspeakers were set up to play voice recordings on the SOPs every morning. I am very satisfied to see our students abiding by the SOPs during school hours and while waiting for their rides home after school.

— Julita Ali, Mathematics and Additional Mathematics teacher, SMK Bandar Utama Damansara (3), Petaling Jaya, Selangor

I have been running revisions with my SPM students as it wasn’t easy for everyone to keep up during online lessons. I made sure to create a comfortable environment despite the inconvenience of wearing face masks and social distancing.

— Lalitha Ramalingam, History teacher, SMK Che Tom, Sungai Petani, Kedah

I am happy to return to school because it would allow students to complete their studies and continue to the next level. It’s okay to return to school, as long as the SOPs are strictly followed and precautions are always taken. I am sad to see instances where parents were not supportive and did not provide a nurturing environment for their children.

— Chong Moy Yoong, General Studies teacher, SMK (L) Methodist, Kuala Lumpur

We have prepared ourselves physically and mentally to help our students catch up with their studies, and get ready for their exams. At the same time, we will adhere to the SOPs to make sure that the safety of our students is not compromised. We are encouraged to see most students returning to physical classes.

— Lo Yee Wah, Bahasa Melayu teacher, SMK Bandar Utama Damansara (4), Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Back to online classes for those managing other forms

I am satisfied with my material preparations, which I’ve shared via Google Classroom. I am also happy to see all my students being responsive and logging in for our online lessons, although it is unfortunate that I can’t gauge their level of understanding based on our on-screen communication.

— Lai Kuen Choo, Guidance Programme teacher, Kolej Yayasan Saad, Ayer Keroh, Melaka

For my online teaching, I use web-based video tools such as Google Meet and Google Classroom, as well as social media apps such as Telegram and WhatsApp. I also prepare PowerPoint presentations and explanation videos of what I’m going to teach on a particular day. My students can replay the videos at any time and do the exercises given. What I’m not happy about online learning is that not all students are able to follow the lessons, especially those who need more guidance.

— Rosfalinda Fauzi, Physics teacher, SMJK Jit Sin, Bukit Mertajam, Penang

I am doing online teaching for Forms One and Five students. Even though I miss classroom teaching, I understand the risks of reopening school. The Covid-19 cases are increasing day by day. Schools might trigger new clusters.

— Usah Parmasavan, English Language teacher, SMJK Jit Sin, Bukit Mertajam, Penang

The quotes above were obtained by BRATs participants Charis, Sudeepta, Sadhna, Jyllian, Aina Alyssa, and Dickson Lai.