KUALA LUMPUR: Students, especially those from low-income families, are pleading to keep schools open amid an increasing number of Covid-19 cases, fearing they will lag further behind with time running out to meet key academic benchmarks.
Several students of SMK Seri Mulia in Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras here cited the lack of appropriate technology, gadgets and unconducive home environments as among the issues they face with home-based teaching and learning (PdPR).
Form Five pure science student Safwan Arif Abdul Aziz, 17, said learning has been a challenge with PdPR, especially since the newly-introduced curriculum, Kurikulum Standard Sekolah Menengah (KSSM), requires hands-on practical work.
"Understanding the essence of the subject being studied has been difficult with online learning as the new education format requires laboratory and practical work.
"We also face other constraints, such as having no proper learning devices and poor Internet connectivity during online classes.
"Hence, I hope schools will remain open. Besides, it is easier to approach teachers here to better our understanding of the subject matter being taught," he said at the school.
Form Four student Punithen Neelamegam, 16, who aspires to be a forensic expert said, it has been a stressful learning experience with PdPR due to Internet problems and distractions which had affected his academic performance.
"I prefer coming to school rather than having to put up with loud outdoor noises at home and losing my teacher midway through a class as Internet connection breaks.
"I will be sitting the SPM next year, hence it is imperative to have a peaceful and conducive learning environment to be more focused, which a traditional classroom setting offers.
"Besides, I get to ask questions easily in a traditional classroom," said Punithen, whose parent is a single mother.
Adila Qistina Aznar, 17, who will sit the SPM this year, cited the poor learning facilities at home as a hurdle and voiced concerns over being able to complete the syllabus on time should schools be closed.
Schools, she said, should remain open at least for Form 5 students as in-person learning offers better understanding and students are also more confident and open to posing questions in the classroom.
"We have not fully learnt the Form Four syllabus and imagine having schools closed again. We also have to share gadgets like handphones with our school-going siblings and it is difficult to follow lessons on a small device."
Jasmine Sonia Kaur, 14, a Form 2 student, said she was excited when she learnt schools would be reopening.
Although she attends all classes online and revises subjects on her own, Jasmine said the face-to-face teaching and learning method is more effective as she was able to focus better in a traditional classroom setting.
"I was happy because I could study in school and it is easier to focus on the lessons. Also, I can ask the teacher questions if I have any problems. It is exciting to meet my friends too," Jasmine, who aspires to be a doctor, said.
SPM candidate Muhammad Nazirul Mubin Zahalin, 17, said with the new syllabus and examination format, it is important for Form 5 students to be present in schools.
"I am more focused and motivated when in the class as I have a better grasp of the subjects," said the prefect.