Hurdling Challenges in the Delivery of Effective Education in Times of Emergencies

No matter what the situations are, quality education must persist. At the center of this process, teachers and learners must work hand-in-hand to deliver meaningful education amidst challenges posed by circumstances. 

Every learner has the right to education, and the government and educational institutions must guarantee it at all times. Though circumstances hinder effective delivery, flexible and alternative modalities can be adopted and shared with the stakeholders. 

In this crisis, children are in the most vulnerable situations, and keeping them focused on learners would lessen the impact of social restrictions imposed in their communities during this emergency. 

Here are some of the essential strategies for teachers to keep up with the challenges posed in delivering education in times of emergencies. 

1. Be Adaptive and Receptive to Change

Teachers must adopt appropriate learning platforms or modalities suited to the learners' needs and situations. Being adaptive and receptive to change in education delivery (e.g., blended learning modalities, technology-based instruction, distance learning, etc.) would lead to better execution of lessons and facilitation of activities, leading to learning expectations and goals. Monitoring such would help teachers further to plan for remediations or interventions. 

2. Tie-up with Parents

Another essential for teachers is to secure an effective partnership with the parents. As partners in monitoring and supervising their child's learning at home, teachers have open communication and assist the parents. 

3. Communicate Constantly with the Learners

Learners are the center of education. In this time of the pandemic, learners are stressed, anxious, and needed external support. Teachers should always be available to cater to the learners' needs, especially those in difficult situations or having learning difficulties. Constant guidance and instruction would make learners feel valued and cared for, lessening their feeling of loneliness.

4. Be Creative

Teachers are forever learners. This pandemic time clearly showed how effective teachers are in producing learning resources, executing opportunities, and sharing expertise with the learners and other teaching professionals. Remember, learners have different needs, interests, abilities, and issues; hence, being innovative in instruction would make them feel appreciated. In that context, teachers need to tailor-fit instruction considering individual differences and inclusive principles in educational policies. 

5. Be Updated

Continuous professional development endeavors are essentials for teachers to be updated and calibrated. Since there are many changes brought about by this pandemic, venturing on various online seminars (webinars) and training helps deliver effective instruction and apply mechanisms that are proven effective and viable with the current situation.