KUCHING: While students may be on board with shortening the school holidays, parents on the other hand are indecisive on the matter.
Some parents are of the opinion that shortening the school holidays does not do anything in helping students in their studies if classes were still conducted following the home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) process.
However, students think that having physical classes while shortening the school holidays is more ideal than being stuck doing online classes.
Recently, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing has suggested to the Ministry of Education (MOE) to minimise the number of school breaks and the length of holidays.
According to him, the Covid-19 pandemic has seriously disrupted students’ education process.
New Sarawak Tribune spoke to both students and parents for their views in this matter.
DILAH TUAH, 41, Lecturer
I do not agree with the school holidays being shortened. As parents, we want our children to go back to school as usual. Interaction with teachers and peers is very important in their learning process. PdPR in the long run is not a good method of learning. Teachers need to ensure that the PdPR is carried out properly with the help of parents and the full involvement of students. It needs to have an impact and can be measured in terms of its effectiveness.
MOHD SUFYAN SULAIMAN, 31, Sarawak Economic Development Corporation
I agree on shortening the school holidays. Nowadays, teenagers or children are so focused on gadgets it affects their daily learning. If this proposal is implemented, I really hope it would help students improve their learning performance. In the face of this new norm, perhaps the government can overhaul the learning system by taking turns attending classes and accompanying class projects so that students focus on learning at home.
YEO HUEY TYUG, 29, Accountant cum Admin
Shortening school holidays is not really ideal because for me, whether they have online or physical classes, they still deserve the scheduled amount of breaks or holidays. Having online classes does not mean they are slacking off in any way. In addition, some students use the school holidays to complete their given tasks as the teachers have them too much to work on. So, taking away their holiday does not sit right with me.
NUR SYAHIRA EZATIE ABUSAMAH, 17, Student
It is a great idea to shorten the school holidays as most students have a hard time focusing in classes due to the environment at home during PdPR. I think it is better to stay at school to study. As I am at the peak of my teenage years, it is a pity to miss out on the opportunity to hang out with my friends in school.
ADRIANA YUSRINA WEI, 16, Student
I agree on shortening the school holidays because students have spent a lot of time at home due to Covid-19. It will be best to study in school since most students have a hard time focusing on their studies due to internet problems or the environment at home. However, I do think that it is better to have online classes to protect ourselves and others from getting infected. This is also to prevent cases from increasing among students and teachers in school.
SARINA TOHIP, 38, Hotelier
I agree with the proposal to shorten the school holidays as it can stop students from loitering around during the holidays and not fully complying with the given SOPs. However, if it is implemented, both the teachers and parents have to work together to ensure students are completing their schoolwork. I believe that the best solution to help students catch up on lost time is for teachers to give homework and distribute the photocopy paper to parents to give to their children since there are parents who cannot afford to have internet access installed or have the necessary gadgets to follow-up.
