The Philippines, one of the most virus-hit countries in Asia, was the last country in the

world to reopen schools for in-person classes since the World Health Organization declared a
pandemic in March 2020. As the country and the rest of the world were just recovering from
the surge in infections driven by the Delta variant, we are faced with yet another, more
transmissible, variant called Omicron, which is sweeping across the globe and driving a surge in
infections in several countries. However, the Department of Education (DepEd) expressed
optimism that all schools in the country would eventually transition to limited face-to-face
classes in the school year 2022 – 2023. As soon as younger children are allowed to get
vaccinated, there’s no more reason to delay the resumption of face-to-face classes in the
country. The DepEd prioritized kindergarten and grades 1 to 3 because students in these levels
are in their formative years and they need more guidance from the teachers. Senior high school
students were also chosen because some of their subjects require “hands-on” training.
In truth, I believed that face-to-face classes must resume because it gives more opportunity to
have the full learning experience, students gain from socialization with peers and interaction
with teachers, and face-to-face communication allows the entire experience to not only be
heard but also seen and felt. The reason why face-to-face learning is better than online learning
is that students have access to various learning resources in school. At the same time, allows
students to have instant gratification with answers and help. When a student is in class they can
ask questions while it is fresh on their mind or help with a particular problem. If the student
was at home online they would have to wait for the instructor to email them back.
Furthermore, one of the key elements of the learning process is the dynamic relationship
shared between a student and fellow students, as well as between the student and the teacher.
Lastly, face-to-face communication between teacher and student is meaningful for student
learning and motivation. “According to results of a new national research study, 78% of more
than 1,000 students surveyed still believe it is easier to learn in a classroom”. Face-to-face
students can find out the type of learner they are. In discovering their learning style students
can use their knowledge to guide them in their educational experience and needs.
In summary, face-to-face learning lends a hand in organizing students and their studies.
Students are given the ability to interact with their instructors and other students. Yes, face-to-
face learning still requires self-discipline, as students are still required to go to class and
participate. However, even if students do not have much self-discipline, they still can simply go
sit in a lecture and listen to their instructor.