The report ‘Parents want classroom teaching postponed: Online survey’ which was published in The Peninsula on August 24, 2020, received massive feedback from the parents who while expressing concerns over the resumption of classes supported the idea of continuity of distance learning for the first semester of the academic year 2020-21.
A large number of parents reacted to the report, which was based on an online survey conducted by the newspaper, and presented their arguments for distance learning while some parents in counter-arguments endorsed the plan of reopening of schools.
The Peninsula received reactions of parents through emails as well through its social media platforms. The major concerns are about running classroom teaching especially for kids in junior classes.
Most of the parents have urged the Ministry of Education and Higher Education to allow only online classes during the first semester for the safety of students.
Some parents supported blended learning for the first semester arguing that classroom teaching cannot be delayed for long as it might affect the mental growth and performance of students.
“We love Qatar and we respect Qatar’s decision but this is beyond our capacity as the matter is related to the safety of our kids. Please keep the online classes at least for students from kindergarten to grade 5. Small students do not know how to take care of themselves. Even schools will have a lot of problems in handling them,” said a parent.
Another parent urged the authorities concerned to postpone classroom teaching until COVID-19 cases become zero because children are not mentally ready to go to school being afraid of coronavirus.
“We should not force them to go to school. Children’s health is the first priority. It will not be possible for kids to maintain social distancing and hygiene. This is a big threat. If we start school, (we) again give a chance to increase in coronavirus cases. Online classes are going very well, let them continue,” he added.
“Please accept our request of postponing the opening of schools. Our kids are our wealth. All other things secondary matters; please continue online classes.”
Another parent said that primary school students are not much aware of COVID-19 preventive and precautionary measures therefore, it is requested to postpone the classroom teaching at least for primary school for year-end.
“Everywhere there is a restriction for kids. Then why they are opening the school. We as parents are worried as we can take care of our kids but in school, nobody will take care. There must be an option for parents to make decisions for their kids,” augured another parent, requesting the authorities concerned to continue with fully online classes until the vaccine comes.
A parent said that higher secondary and university students can go to the classroom if necessary but not for nursery and primary children it is like risking the little lives along with their families.
There are also parents who support the reopening of schools. A parent who supported the classroom teaching said: “It is better to open the school as it is very hard to continue online studies. We cannot continue these online studies. Kids are also disturbed a lot because of isolation,” he added.
“I understand that this is so confusing, but schools need to open even if partially. E-learning wasn’t as effective as going to school. One hour online is not as effective as 5-6 hours school day,” said a commentator.
“Children are disoriented. They don’t realize that they are in summer vacation and that they are moving to another grade since they did not have their ‘usual summer vacation’.”
One parent argued, “Schools need to be open now. Almost 6 months that kids are staying at home and they need to learn. Staying at home for a long time is not really good for them.”
A commentator said that schools need to open. “We cannot continue like this for another 12-18 months before the vaccine is developed and distributed. Our children will suffer badly from further isolation,” he added.
