Standing for the Fullest Extent

According to a survey conducted by Pulse Asia in July 2022, 67% of 1,200 adult Filipinos
strongly agree to the implementation of face-to-face classes for the school year 2022-2023. For
Tuguegarao City Science High School, the students had undergone limited face-to-face classes for the
first two months of the school year — where two sets of students alternately attended their classes
twice a week — which transitioned into full face-to-face classes thereafter. Gaining enough
experiences from the two-month span of limited face-to-face classes, we have viewed the pros and
cons it possesses and have inferred that its set-up brings a heavier weight to our shoulders. With just a
week of full face-to-face classes, we came across much favorable situations that were ways for us to
lighten any negativities we encounter. Having full face-to-face classes is more preferable, for it carries
more advantageous conditions for the students and teachers.

We strongly believe that the advantages of full face-to-face classes outweigh that of blended
learning. The first is that limited face-to-face classes lack the social interaction that full face-to-face
classes provide. When the two groups of students meet, their behavior could change both
academically and socially. They are to work alongside a wider community of learners where they
could have new insights from to instill with themselves. Also, the presence of the students’ circle of
friends has a big impact on how their days go by. Experiencing the TugSay culture of giving moral
support to one another as interactions transpire, we can say that it sparks motivation among students
that really boosts academic performance. With the help of full face to face classes, the school can
develop a more friendly learning environment.

Furthermore, full face-to-face classes are more convenient for both students and teachers than
limited face-to-face classes. In full face-to-face sessions, the lesson must be taught to the entire class
just once; in limited face-to-face classes, it must be taught to two different sets of students. Due to the
different days that the sets have their classes, synchronization between the two is difficult to maintain,
which has an impact on the students as well. One group frequently lags behind another because they
are much more advanced. This is resolved in full face-to-face classes because both sets teach their
classes together. Because of this, students and teachers would be more comfortable with their
schedule.

Students’ performance is known to decline due to the decrease of confidence since they have
not interacted for a long time. Since they have been isolated at their homes their performance that
mostly involves being under the radar may seem too overwhelming for them. Because of this, school
competitions and club events are not being participated by the students. Students’ performance will
further increase in full face-to-face classes. This is due to several factors. First, students get more
opportunities to join competitions, as well as club activities. Second, full face-to-face classes would
involve everyone, students will get more opportunities to interact with their friends which in turn
reduces stress experienced by students. Lastly, because the whole class is involved students will be
more comfortable with each other. In hindsight, socializing with their classmates and friends is
healthier for them than just spending most of their time alone.

In spite of the stated advantages of full face-to-face classes, many would still side with limited
face-to-face classes because it takes the side of their personal desires. Some would say they go
through more rest with the schedule they have; however, that could lead to a greater possibility of
unproductivity. Instead of getting the work done in accordance with proper time management, other
students tend to procrastinate with the thought that they would still have an ample amount of time to
accomplish their tasks after spoiling themselves. Since there are assigned schedules for a
five-day-a-week school attendance, there is no room for procrastination of students as they are
expected to strictly comply with the deadlines set by the teachers. For this reason, attending
face-to-face classes could help the students manage their academics well.

In conclusion, it is perceptible that full face-to-face classes are more effective and are able to
proffer students a better learning experience given their many advantages. As this puts forward
convenience, better performance, and social interaction, the students are exposed to a more suitable
academic setting. As the name suggests, limited face-to-face classes provide ‘limited’ attributes to the
students and teachers, and if that limit extends to a greater span, their attainments could also be
bounded. Limits do not occur in full face-to-face classes; therefore, administering this unleashes every
student’s full capacity academically and personally.

Members:
Bariuan, Ron
Dammay, Francis
Maggay, Prince
Reyes, Jared
Addun, Gianna
Lejos, Hea
Pagalaran, Jaredine
Tabbu, Janine