Reflection on the article, "Extreme Heat Shuts Philippine Schools, Prompts Remote Classes"

 "There's something special about being in the classroom, face-to-face with your teacher, that fosters a unique and enriching learning environment. I believe that being in school enhances the learning process and allows students to thrive while having fun.​​"

     The Philippines suspended in-person classes in some cities across the country on Tuesday as rising temperatures prompted the government to revive remote learning alternatives. Over a dozen cities and municipalities in the Southeast Asian nation have shut schools and advised students to study remotely for the day, ABS-CBN News reported, when the temperature is forecast to increase to up to 35C (95F). The country’s public schools are typically packed and have poor ventilation. The local weather bureau sees the heat index - which combines air temperature and humidity - to climb to as much as 44C on Tuesday and 43C on Wednesday. The closure of some schools and the shift to remote classes due to the heat could hurt learning in a nation still reeling from the pandemic’s impact on students. An Asian Development Bank study in 2021 said many students in the region are constrained by access to resources like computers and Internet for remote learning, which risks affecting their future productivity.

     As a pre-service teacher, I've observed that extremely hot weather significantly affects both teachers and learners inside the classroom, with various impacts on the educational process in the Philippines. Based on my analysis, I'm concerned that these circumstances may lead to detrimental effects on our education system, akin to the challenges faced during the pandemic. The transition to remote learning during the pandemic posed significant hurdles, including access to technology and internet connectivity, digital literacy skills, and maintaining student engagement. Similarly, extreme hot weather presents challenges such as physical discomfort, health risks, and difficulty in sustaining focus and motivation. It's a reality that many schools in the Philippines lack adequate cooling systems, making it uncomfortable for both students and teachers to focus during lessons. As a result, teachers may opt for simpler activities or assign additional work that can be completed at home for the sake of comfort. Unfortunately, the extreme heat may cause students, especially those in special education, to skip classes or arrive late due to discomfort or health concerns. This can lead to decreased attendance rates and lower levels of engagement in classroom activities, as students may prefer to remain at home.

     During my experience as a substitute teacher in a regular class, I witnessed firsthand how pupils struggled academically during periods of intense heat. Even I, found it challenging to focus on delivering the lesson. Some pupils expressed their discomfort, saying, ‘Ma’am grabe na po adding init, di na kayang matius’  ('Ma'am, the heat is too much, it's unbearable,') or '’Ma’am pwedeng last na po adi? Lang kulog po kaya ma’am ka payo ko dahil ka init (Ma'am, can we make this the last activity? My head is aching from the heat.') Faced with these dilemmas, I grappled with the question of how best to support their learning. Ultimately, I chose to respect their concerns and accommodate their needs. I provided assignments for them to work on independently, recognizing that their well-being and comfort are paramount. While it's crucial to prioritize learning, it's equally important to ensure that students are in a conducive environment where they can thrive academically and maintain their health and well-being. And now, learners are advised to have asynchronous classes and have their modular learning.

     I've had many realizations lately, such as, 'What would happen if this kind of weather persisted for months, or even worse, for a year? How would we manage to survive? Could we? And what about education? How would we cope with the shortcomings in students' learning? Can asynchronous classes adequately fulfill their educational needs?' These questions weigh heavily on my mind as I contemplate the potential long-term effects of extreme weather conditions on our lives and educational systems. It's crucial for us to consider these challenges and explore innovative solutions to ensure that students continue to receive quality education despite the obstacles posed by prolonged adverse weather conditions."

     I sincerely hope that these circumstances will come to an end soon. I eagerly await the return of learners to school, where they can engage in joyful learning experiences. There's something special about being in the classroom, face-to-face with your teacher, that fosters a unique and enriching learning environment. I believe that being in school enhances the learning process and allows students to thrive while having fun.​​

Article and photo source:

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-02/extreme-heat-shuts-philippine-schools-prompts-remote-classes

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