PH Embassy in Manama Holds Virtual Forum on Online Learning Readiness of Parents, Students
Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain Alfonso A. Ver gives his welcoming remarks during the opening of the 2nd Talakayan Sa Pasuguan entitled “Balik Eskwela sa Makabagong Plataporma: Mga Magulang at Bata, Handa na ba?” broadcasted via Facebook Live on 19 August 2020. (Manama PE photo)
MANAMA 27 August 2020 – The Philippine Embassy in Manama held its 2nd Talakayan sa Pasuguan virtual forum entitled, “Balik Eskwela sa Makabagong Plataporma: Mga Magulang at Bata, Handa na ba?” as part of its celebration of August as Buwan ng Wika on 19 August 2020, broadcasted via Facebook Live at the Embassy’s Official Facebook Page using StreamYard.
The online forum was envisioned to help various stakeholders such as school administrators, teachers, parents, students, and the community in general prepare for the upcoming school year, which will open under special and new circumstances due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The main presenters during the forum were Mr. Francis Manaois and Dr. Victoria Manaois, both seasoned educators and with years of experience in implementing online learning programs. They spoke about the importance of preparing for the new system, not only on the part of teachers and administrators, but also, and equally important, on the part of parents and students. While administrators and teachers need to step up in preparing learning management systems, materials, and activities for the learners, parents also need to prepare logistical, physical, and emotional support for their children. They emphasized the need for constant and effective communication between the educators and the parents in order to provide seamless support to the learners, and stressed the need for everyone to have a growth mindset, to continuously learn as the entire community navigates this new educational landscape. The speakers likewise provided tips on how to prepare for the online classes as well as discussed some healthy habits to observe throughout this “new normal”.
Philippine School Bahrain (PSB) School Director Gydabelle Naval spoke about the school’s efforts to help parents support their children under the new normal. She explained that PSB remains committed to the holistic development of the child. PSB is also focused on developing children into competent, creative, compassionate, and committed learners and leaders of the future. She emphasized that PSB educates learners with socio-emotional learning at the center of development, and with the use of technological tools to develop children, focusing on character formation, academics and 21st century skills.
PSB likewise integrates cultural diversity in its lessons, inculcating Filipino heritage while respecting other cultures. Ms. Naval also emphasized the importance of the partnership between the school and the parents/home, through the use of proper communication channels.
On the other hand, Mr. Jose Dennis G. Dureza, an educator and a parent of a young learner, provided a parent’s perspective, focusing on the need to strengthen the family as a unit, as well as the importance of collaboration between school administrators and educators. An open forum was held after the speakers’ presentations and reactions. The audience posted their questions via the comment boxes of the Live broadcast. END
Left photo: Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain Alfonso A. Ver moderates the forum. Right photo: Mr. Francis Manaois and Dr. Victoria Manaois discuss the paradigm shift in education. (Manama PE photo)
Left photo: Philippine School Bahrain (PSB) School Director Gydabelle Naval. Right photo: Mr. Jose Dennis G. Dureza, an educator and a parent of a young learner. (Manama PE photo)
For more information, visit https://www.manamape.dfa.gov.ph or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinBahrain.