Despite the many questions and what-ifs asked over the years, parents and guardians have learned to embrace and love HyFlex education. It wasn’t an easy transition, but the hybrid mode of learning (combining both face-to-face and online classes) has since become an integral part of the academic journey of Filipino students.
Since HyFlex involves students staying at home on some days, parents are now more involved in their children’s education. This significant change centered on the fact that HyFlex opened new avenues for learning for students and educators to develop their skills and learning materials and for parents to be more hands-on as their children are now part of what is seen as the future of education in the Philippines.
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐅𝐓
HyFlex education became the next viable option after schools and other establishments reopened their doors after restrictions were relaxed following the COVID-19 pandemic. At first, schools offered full online classes but then transitioned to what is now a hybrid-flexible mode after sensing the need for students to have adequate interaction with their peers and teachers.
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒
Before the education landscape went all digital, Filipino parents had always been involved with their children’s education. For the most part, traditional upbringing required them to regularly check up on their kids, help them with their assignments and projects, act as tutors, and communicate with teachers and administrators regarding their academic progress.
The shift to HyFlex, on the other hand, has redefined this partnership to a more intimate and practical level. They can be physically present to monitor their child’s growth and development, teach them digital literacy, and follow up on their assignments more than ever.
𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒 𝐀𝐒 𝐅𝐀𝐂𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐒
Much like teachers are the students’ second parents whenever they are at school, parents are also their second teachers in a hybrid setup. For one, parents are at the forefront in setting up a comfortable study space at home, ensuring that their children have the basic requisites such as ample lighting and ventilation, a good internet connection, fully charged and working devices, and access to learning portals and platforms. Parents, especially those who are also working from home, can help manage their child’s schedule by constantly monitoring their screen time, breaks, and other activities to promote a holistic yet productive day.
𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒 𝐀𝐒 𝐌𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐒
Before the introduction of HyFlex, burnout was a primary concern among students. The lack of in-person interaction and the feeling of being isolated from the outside world have led to some students being depressed and unmotivated. With HyFlex, parents pick up their roles as emotional motivators by providing real-time support and stress management. By instilling open communication and encouraging a positive mindset, parents can guide their children to cope with their new learning environment.
𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒 𝐀𝐒 𝐀𝐂𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐂 𝐆𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐒
While this role will always be a constant among parents, HyFlex learning taught them to be on top of their children’s academic journey. School-based platforms and portals offer student grades and progress, which parents can directly access through their devices. This access is also a direct approach of schools so that parents are aware of what their child is doing and can provide them with immediate help.
In the same manner, parents can directly communicate with teachers and other concerned individuals when problems arise.
