Exploring the Experiences of Parents as Facilitators of Learning in the New Normal in the Philippines

Abstract

Aims: To explore and understand the experiences of parents as facilitators of learning to their school-aged children during the ‘new normal. Study Design: Qualitative-Phenomenology. Place and Duration of Study: Digos City, Davao del Sur, Philippines, during the School Year 2021-2022. Methodology: The study used purposive sampling in choosing the participants. The target participants were parents who had school-age children. Fifteen parents who gave their consent to participate were included in the study. The information was obtained through validated semi-structured interview questionnaires. Results: Most of the participants were female, aged 36-40, college graduates, and either housewives or teaching jobs. Five themes emerged. Themes for the challenges were difficulty in balancing time and responsibilities, lack of knowledge of the lessons, difficulty in imposing discipline on their children, physical and health concerns, and slow internet connectivity. On the other hand, four themes emerged for the strategies used by parents as facilitators: proper time management, use of the Internet for research, use of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, and close supervision of children’s performance. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic did not spare anyone. Its emergence brings new challenges and responsibilities, particularly for parents with school-aged children. The parents’ concerns are family health and how they could help their children with their studies. These instances highlight the parents to adjust to the new and unexpected role in the new normal. Parents thought of solutions not only for their daily living but also for their children's education demands. The situations may be unpleasant and tiring, but parents, as they are, they show perseverance and patience. Parents' techniques may be better, but they are adequate for their problems. During these challenging times, the Department of Education (DepEd), the Local Government Units (LGU), and the Department of Social Work and Development (DSWD) may investigate the circumstances of parents with school-aged children and develop alternative programs which could address the educational needs of the parents.