Gatchalian calls for dry run of blended learning before school opening

By JOHN CARLO M. CAHINHINAN

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has urged local government units (LGUs) to conduct dry runs of their localized versions of the Department of Education’s Learning Continuity Plan (LCP) one month prior to the opening of the school year next month.

Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate committee on basic education, arts and culture, said while DepEd is set to conduct dry runs of distance learning in the first week of August, the LGU-led dry runs will identify both pain points and solutions for a smoother implementation of the localized LCP.

“Dahil papalapit na ang pagbubukas ng klase, mahalagang magkaroon na ang mga lokal na pamahalanan ng sarili nilang pagsasanay kung paano ba ipapatupad ang Learning Continuity Plan, at kung paano ito gagawing angkop sa pangangailangan ng kanilang mga mag-aaral,” said Gatchalian.

According to Gatchalian, LGUs should design their dry runs based on the most preferred modalities of learning delivery among their constituents.

Alternative modes of learning delivery under the LCP include modular learning or the use of printed and digital modules, online learning, and the use of radio and television. DepEd’s Learner Enrollment Survey Form (LESF) includes a portion where learners identify their available devices and preferred modalities for learning delivery.

About 7.2 million enrollees prefer modular learning, television and radio-based instruction and other modalities while 2 million prefer online learning, according to the data released by DepEd.

Since connectivity is a challenge to most learners and modular learning is the most preferred mode, Gatchalian said LGUs should have a dry run on the distribution of printed self-learning modules.

Aside from ensuring a safe and efficient distribution of these modules, the lawmaker added that it is equally important to assess whether learners are effectively absorbing the lessons from these modules.

While some LGUs that already initiated their own dry runs on blended learning serve as examples, Gatchalian stressed it is crucial that they establish and understand the context in which they’re implementing the LCP.

“Kung hindi matututo ang ating mga mag-aaral, mag-aaksaya lamang tayo ng panahon at masasayang ang buwis na ginagasta natin upang mabigyan ng magandang kinabukasan ang ating mga mag-aaaral,” he added.

Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)