By Kristin Jesha Mari A. Sanding, AB-Mass Com 4

Ashleigh Taguihanon is a Physical Education teacher of CPU.

The world was shaken when the COVID-19 Pandemic started. Businesses and schools shut down and went into quarantine in order to isolate the spread of the virus. In doing so, schools such as CPU was forced to implement distance learning, and a new routine was established to cope with our current situation. On the second school year since the pandemic, we are here to dive deeper into the impact of the new normal in the field of education; namely, in physical education, a subject that requires physical engagement from both the students and its instructors. Professor Ashleigh Taguihanon, a faculty member of the College of Education, was gracious enough to be interviewed.

1. How long have you been a Physical Education teacher and why did you choose this profession? What is the story behind it?

I began as a Physical Education teacher when I first step in as a part-time faculty at Health and PE Department in CPU. My story started when I had an invitation from my former teacher if I’m willing to apply as faculty. That’s when I decided to grab the opportunity and took a leap of beautiful experience as a newbie.

2. How long have you been with Central Philippine University’s physical education department and what would you say differentiates it from other physical education programs out there?

I started teaching just this year from January up to this day. I appreciate the environment of CPU compared to others.

3. Pre-pandemic, how did you tackle teaching physical education? What was it like?

During the pre-pandemic, teaching Physical Education was commonly held outdoors and was socially engaging since there are no restrictions like having close contact with others. When the pandemic began, the objective in PE is to equip students in Health awareness. It is a challenge for educators. We can barely monitor students. Since the pandemic started the student’s mode of independency has increased regardless of the situation. This pandemic influences us to become more cautious in health, and to be more engaged in physical activities in our own way.

4. Now that we are indeed in the pandemic era, what changes have you implemented in your teaching style?

I have a lot to talk about the implementation of various teaching styles in these new normal times. One of them is to dive deeper into the available technology in order to better engage the students in an online platform. It is worth it to adopt new technologies. When students see that you are using new technologies, it will challenge them to learn more as well.

5. How does the pandemic affect your teaching of physical education?

I admit that teachers are affected in assessing the student’s learning. There is less personal contact with students compared to face-to-face. We have to motivate them more to study and to learn.

6. What challenges have you faced with the distance learning setup especially given the fact that you teach a physically involving subject?

Challenges indeed really come whether we are ready for it or not. It gives us all a sudden discomfort when it comes but we have to accept it. As a PE instructor, it’s quite challenging for me to impart the knowledge to our students like a proper execution of a skill on a virtual set-up. But then every challenge I encountered during teaching is an opportunity for me to grow and be innovative.

7. Given the struggles how do you ensure that your students take away something in your class?

Every teacher has their unique strategic way to ensure their students must have something to learn. Every lesson that we embark on includes an assessment that makes a result-oriented goal for us to reach.

8. With the mental and physical stress of teaching during the pandemic how do you cope?

My way of reducing stress is to involve in some activities like church ministries. Somehow, it helps me cope with any mental or physical stress. When my teaching is appreciated, it brings an impact on my mental and physical health. I find it satisfying to see my students positively respond to my class discussion.

9. On the other hand, is there an upside with the distance learning setup?

Yes, there is. You are in your home, and the students as well. It is comfortable for all.

10. Would you say that teaching physical education with the distance learning setup is effective or do you prefer face-to-face classes with your students given the opportunity?

In my perspective, I would prefer a face-to-face class. Students would have the drive to do tasks, and the instructor could immediately visually assess.

11. What is your take in revisiting the notion of physical classes in the near future? Is it tangible in your opinion?

We pray that it will come. Hopefully, it will be in the near future.

12. Do you feel disheartened teaching during the pandemic? What is your message to your fellow teachers and students?

Nope, not all. I even feel more challenged with the thought that I have to do my best in the virtual class.

Thank you to Professor Taguihanon for taking time to answer questions regarding your teaching experience during this season. We are glad to hear that the current struggles are challenges that the teachers, such as yourself, have gladly take on. With President Rodrigo Duterte giving a go ahead for limited-in person classes for 2-months in low-risk areas, we have an opportunity to get back on some semblance of normalcy. We need more dedicated educators who will soon have to find solutions to a challenge to teach limited-in person classes.