Educational tour
I am saddened by the recent incident where young lives have been cut short while having an educational tour. Seven students were killed as they were washed away by a sudden flash flood when they were crossing Madlum River in San Miguel, Bulacan that fateful day.
But first I feel the need for holding outside activity that would enhance classroom learning. Every semester, or at least every year, I make it sure that a visit to significant places is conducted where my students can experience authentic learning, relating to classroom discussions.
Though the places that we have been visiting are generally safe but during every activity I can't help but be apprehensive of the safety of my students. This is to the extent that they think I am, at some point, a hindrance already to what they want to do. But I believe it's better to be extra careful than be sorry for what would happen after.
The Commission on Higher Education in its Memorandum Order No. 7, series of 2012, has set several requirements before any educational tour or field trip can be conducted. Among them are conducting meetings and consultations with the students and their parents, coordinating with the local government units for the various places for excursion, the activity should be part of the curriculum, the provision of licensed tour guide and, of course, the guidance and presence of the certain number of faculty members based on the total number of students. Teachers, who are supposed to be the second parents, are supposed to be involved in every step of the way.
In the same Memorandum, Article VII, Section 2 even states that "Briefing and debriefing program shall be undertaken by the concerned Higher Educational Institution (HEI) before and/or after the educational tours and field trips. Briefing shall include among others, precautionary measures that will be undertaken by the concerned HEI with the concerned students and parents/guardians if the student is a minor. Also, Risk Assessment Procedures for educational tours and/or field trips must be discussed with the concerned students including their parents and/or guardians. Section 19 further states that "Security of the students should be the foremost responsibility of the higher education institutions concerned."
This is to the extent that to some faculty would feel dispirited to push for an outside activity. But nevertheless, the striking point is that there should be a need for careful planning so as to ensure maximum learning and not a substitute for a final examination.
Initially, based on the reports, there were only two faculty during the trip and that they only stayed in the cottage with the students proceeding the dangerous area with only two local guides. Accidents happen any time. In just a split of a second anything can happen. But considering the clear and potential danger, utmost and swift decision could have been done. And this decision could really for the ultimate safety of the students.
Young people go for adventure. They love challenges that would push their limits. And this is where wisdom comes in from adults. Adults, the faculty members, are supposed to provide the wisdom that generally young people don't have.
Accordingly, faculty were nowhere when the incident happened which they could have provided the wisdom and that could have advised the students not to push through with such very life-threatening activity.
Handling students who are generally minors thus requires close supervision and guidance from adults who have the experience, understanding and wisdom to see things in sager perspectives. Wisdom is wasted if this is not put in use and shared with those who need most.
It is a challenge when we are losing the energy and vitality to go through such adventure-filled activities but we need to activate the wisdom we have for the safety and general welfare of our students.
We may fail them due to lack or absence of vitality for adventure-filled activities but with our wisdom, we cannot compromise students' safety and security. As teachers, let's treat them with care and concern like our very own children. This is a parental responsibility.
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