Back to School: A Feeling of Fulfilment with PTMT

     Our school has been conducting online classes for two years. On Monday, March 14, 2022, students of CS4 to JC2 finally had the chance to go back to school and experienced the traditional face-to-face learning.

     Since COVID cases are declining and becoming less severe, the government has decided to let students go to school for PTMT (Pembelajaran Tatap Muka Terbatas). Although home learning improves over time, it has indeed complications that do not exist in an actual classroom. Along with parents’ approval, these factors gave the school a signal to reintroduce offline learning. 

     The previous Friday, Ms Silvana held a meeting with the three classes and their respective homeroom teachers. A new schedule was given, together with protocols that need to be followed when going back to school. It was told that the school would be disinfected the day before and hand sanitisers would be available in almost every corner of the school. For a student to be permitted to enter the school premises, they were required to take an antigen test a maximum of two days before going to school. Instructions were clearly given, and we were fully prepared to go to school. 

     Having two years of not going to school, there was a great feeling of nostalgia. It all came back to me: the hall where we used to play house competitions, the lockers where we used to stand by and chat, and the old flyers of our projects posted on bulletin boards; the little things that add up to my memories of high school, captures the fulfilment of going back there. 

     Being able to see my classmates in person was a relief. Studying felt different with them around – it kept me motivated. Having face-to-face lectures also made subjects more interesting. Classes became more interactive, and there was a high increase in engagement. Also, I was finally able to do laboratory practices and visit the library. All of these make offline learning much more beneficial and enjoyable than online learning. 

     If I were to choose, I would proceed with this face-to-face learning. I believe we as students would learn more in an environment that promotes better interaction amongst students and teachers. 

• Cindy, JC 2