LettersIn coronavirus new normal, even teachers need time to learn
I am writing in response to the article, “Hong Kong fourth wave: Covid-19 has taken even worse toll on city’s teachers than last year’s protests, with most feeling ‘high pressure’, union says” (December 15).
Waves of school closures caused by the coronavirus pandemic since February have led to teachers coming under unprecedented pressure in adapting to online lessons in place of in-person classes. Repeated disruptions mean teachers have also needed to make up for lost time on coursework.
Moreover, online teaching has its own challenges – holding students’ attention, ensuring participation and dealing with technical troubles – that affect teaching progress.
Aside from that, teachers have to meet the different expectations of parents. For example, some parents want all lessons to be live-streamed online, but others just want their children to watch pre-recorded videos. It is difficult for teachers to find a solution that satisfies all demands.
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Hong Kong secondary students learn online amid coronavirus fears
Besides, some parents sit in on the online lessons with their children. Having their lessons supervised by parents, who might take a critical view of the content, may make teachers nervous. All this contributes to the high stress levels of teachers.