Greater parental involvement is needed

THE EDITOR, Madam:

As a teacher who is actively involved in virtual teaching and learning in Jamaica, and one who has been listening to a myriad of advice being proffered by members of our society, I must say I am now bewildered. When results are acceptable, no one questions our teaching methodology: we have made blood out of stone!

However, when the converse is true – when there is poor or no connection; when the child lacks intrinsic motivation; when there is little or no supervision; when parents are busy trying to carve out a mediocre survival; when the food money cannot be sacrificed to purchase data; when a household has four school-aged children, who have to wait until daddy comes home from the ‘hustling’ to use his phone, one at a time – then suddenly the teachers are incompetent, and the methodology is brought into sharp focus.

Before we cast aspersions on the ‘incompetent’ teachers, we must consider that physical classes have been suspended since March 12, 2020, and the schools, along with the teachers, and the little resource that some schools have, have tried their utmost to ensure some teaching and learning take place. We must also never forget that primary and secondary students have been thrown out there, and are suddenly expected to navigate, successfully, online classes.

FIND SOLUTIONS

Before we start maligning the teachers, let us, as a nation, find solutions to this problem. We live in a society where the ‘have-nots’ must contend with the ‘haves’, especially as it relates to Internet connectivity and availability of gadgets. In this regard, we must level the playing field.

Leaders, we must ensure the availability of connectivity and gadgets, especially in our more rural and poor communities. When will the powers that be hold the parents accountable? At a time like now, the parents must ensure their children participate in online classes. No connectivity? Ensure they go to the public spaces, libraries, community centres, etc.

Parents, we must ensure the work is being done: check the books, demand the schoolwork. It is unacceptable when a teacher has a class of 30 students, 10 show up, and three complete the assigned tasks. This is the reality of many teachers, especially during this time.

The lesson is a click away, and the child refuses to ‘click’, and no one at home ensures the child ‘clicks’, and those who want to ‘click’ have nothing to ‘click’.

Yes, as teachers, we can always do more, but in a time like now, we crave more parental involvement. Help us to help the children of tomorrow!

C. MARSHALL