The group feels PdPR is less effective and input received is relatively less than physical class

by S BIRRUNTHA / graphic by MZUKRI MOHAMAD

A TOTAL of 76.7% of school students prefer face-to-face learning over home-based teaching and learning (PdPR) which was deemed less effective, leaving them feeling lonely and unmotivated.

The result was according to a survey conducted by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia’s (Suhakam) Children Consultative Council (CCC) from Aug 9 to Sept 30, 2021.

The survey on PdPR issues and challenges involved 7,332 respondents aged seven to 17 nationwide via WhatsApp and email.

CCC president Chloe Gan said 56.1% or 4,113 respondents said PdPR was less effective while 44.7% or 3,277 respondents felt that the input received through PdPR was relatively less than the physical class.

“A total of 32.9% or 2,414 respondents found that virtual education made them lonely and unmotivated, and 53.4% or 3,915 respondents found it difficult to concentrate or stay focused while attending virtual classes at home.

“In conclusion, 76.7% chose physical classes over online classes. The survey has shown that online learning is challenging for students and affects their mental health, which is worrying,” she said in a virtual press conference yesterday.

However, Gan said 64.7% or 4,941 respondents found that virtual classes gave them more time to spend with family which ultimately strengthened family ties.

She noted that 33.6% or 2,463 respondents said PdPR kept them away from bullies while 47.5% or 3,350 respondents were not sure whether their school counselling unit offered adequate assistance during PdPR.

Also present were Suhakam children’s commissioner Prof Datuk Noor Aziah Mohd Awal and office of the children’s commissioner (OCC) principal assistant secretary Izyan Hazwani Ahmad.

Noor Aziah congratulated the CCC for drafting the survey, thus, proving that children can also measure the views of their peers and common concerns through their own set of questions.

“I urge the Education Ministry (MoE) to consider the results of this study and further establish a National Education Action Council comprising academics, NGOs, parents, teachers and students.

“This is to discuss education policies and systems, not only for the short term during the pandemic, but also for the long term in addressing the ‘lost generation’ issue due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” she added.

On separate matter, Izyan Hazwani pointed out that the OCC for Suhakam was disappointed after repeated attempts to engage withseveral ministries have been unsuccessful. She said requests have been made to meet four ministries since 2019, however, OCC was only able to meet the Women Development, Family and Community Development Ministry in 2020 and the Health Ministry (MoH) in January 2021.

“As for the MoE and Home Ministry, we have not received any response from them to date despite our many requests through letters and the special secretaries to the ministries.

“A request to meet the current MoH Minister Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar has only gone unanswered. At the moment, we only have a scheduled meeting on April 25 to meet MoE DG Datin Seri Nor Zamani Abdol Hamid,” she noted.