KUALA LUMPUR – The National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) has proposed that the timetable for students attending physical classes and those in the home-based teaching and learning programme be standardised for all schools.
Secretary-general Harry Tan Huat Hock, in a statement today, said this is important to ensure the quality of online learning, as teachers and students may get tired and lose focus if the sessions go on for too long.
“NUTP has found that there are schools requiring teachers to teach from 7.30am to 4.30pm, exceeding the official teaching hours, which should end at 2.30pm.
“The long hours in school can be exhausting, making students lose interest in preparing for the coming SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia) and STPM (Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia) exams, and the same goes for teachers who have been working hard, preparing and teaching students via online classes.”
It is also feared that teachers’ health will be impacted, he said.
Tan called on the Education Ministry to review safety aspects with regard to teachers holding in-person lessons for students sitting major exams.
The ministry should provide teachers with personal protective equipment, such as masks and overcoats, he said. – Bernama, January 25, 2021
