Rokiah Mahmud
The teaching and learning methods for schools will be implemented via online from March 7 to 19. This includes childcare centres, kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, religious schools and sixth form centres under the Ministry of Education (MoE), the Ministry of Religious Affairs (MoRA) and the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS).
Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah announced this at the daily press conference at the Al-’Afiah Hall, Ministry of Health (MoH) yesterday.
According to the minister, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam consented for the transition.
Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew added that the COVID-19 Steering Committee informed that the transition takes into account the recent attendance of students which has been significantly reduced and to allow teachers focus more on students.
“Special consideration will be given to schools that apply to conduct face-to-face teaching and learning for the preparation of students sitting for international examinations,” the minister said.
Meanwhile, Minister of Education Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah bin Haji Sulaiman added that the MoE and MoRA have monitored the current situation and found that it is best that online learning and teaching are coordinated in looking at the latest trend of the students’ attendance.
Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah said at the moment, teachers and educators have utilised various teaching methods.
He advised parents and guardians to cooperate with school leaders and teachers in ensuring the children’s studies are conducted.
The minister said there are numerous ways parents and guardians can enhance cooperation. “Parents must ensure their children follow the learning session and that they do the school work entrusted.
“Secondly, parents, guardians and teachers must communicate if the child needs further explanation on school work. Parents and guardians can contact teachers at appropriate times,” the minister said, adding that “cooperation is paramount as teachers also need a break and spend time with their families”.
The minister advised parents to provide a conducive learning environment for the children while learning at home.
“Parents and guardians also need to monitor their children’s physical and mental health. If there are changes, they can report to the teachers,” the minister added.
Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Hamzah said the Parents-and-Teachers Association (PTA) can enhance cooperation between parents and school leaders and teachers as they can relay any concerns or assistance needed.
