THE adopted distance learning approach in basic education introduced a lot of novel things in the academe. One of such is the stress for learners to become independent learners. Teachers apparently will guide the students in accomplishing the learners' modules but since they have to work them at home, only God knows whether they will do it or somebody in the house decides to take the burden or joy to answer them.
Resolution No. 292 from the House of Representatives emphasizes the practice of honesty among students. This resolution dated back in 2012 mandates the Department of Education (DepEd) to post the sign "Honesty is the best policy" in all classrooms." This value should be observed in the school and expected to be developed among the learners through their adult life. Honesty is more than necessary today as DepEd embarks in the distance learning approach where learners accomplish their modules far from the watch of their teachers.
DepEd will rely on their trust to the learners and their parents/guardians in ensuring that modules are accomplished by the students/pupils. Various orientations explain that the task of the teachers and guardians is bound in acting as facilitators, guides, and mentors, not as proxies or substitutes. If learners do not understand an instruction or an explanation written in the modules, they can always consult their teachers or parents/guardians for elaboration. DepEd asks the patience of parents and guardians to assist the learners but it should not come to the point where they do the answering. Students can always ask their teachers about the lessons but distance makes it difficult at times to receive an immediate response. It is only practical to get help from other persons in their homes.
Parents and guardians play a big role in reiterating honesty in answering the modules. Modular learning is challenging because learners are required to read and reread. This is a thing that does not appeal to many of our learners today so they will surely ask their parents or guardians to answer their modules for them. Learners understand that it is their role to work on their modules but if parents and other persons do not adhere to this value, the learners will soon ignore the rule. This might even become a practice.
Parents have their reasons for doing their children's tasks but it should be known this practice does not help the learners at all. A lot of parents agree to answer their children's module because they cannot wait for them to work. Some learners may not also submit their modules in due time so parents initiate to answer these modules for their children. Or they do the work simply because they want their children to obtain a high mark. The virtue of honesty in these cases is totally ignored. The practice of dependence on parents is promoted. Laziness is supported and lack of motivation is not being addressed.
Honesty takes center stage in the distance learning approach setting. With the full cooperation of the parents and guardians and with the strong orientation of the students in honesty and accountability, DepEd puts its trust to the upright influence of the home in the observance and practice of honesty. There is no measure to check if the learners are really doing their work. Teachers may see the discrepancy in the answers but without evidence to show, the submitted answers will obviously be recorded. This is the weakness of the distance learning approach but it can also be its strength. If honesty in answering the modules is observed the actual level of their mastery is known. Teachers will know the appropriate interventions to provide. If parents answer the modules, the learners will be denied of these academic interventions and they will not master their lessons at all.
Honesty is not just a policy, it is the best policy. The success of distance learning depends on the steadfast adherence to this policy.