It’s only a few more days before teachers get busy again. This coming July 2024 marks the start of the National Learning Camp (NLC) for selected students. Principals have been encouraging their teachers to volunteer for this summer educational program. They need a sufficient number of teachers to handle lessons for these selected students. Despite all the encouragement, many teachers are hesitant to volunteer. Here are the reasons why most teachers did not volunteer to teach in the National Learning Camp (NLC).
Preference for Vacation Time
Teachers would rather be at home spending their vacation with family and loved ones. The dates of the National Learning Camp still fall within their vacation period. Most teachers prefer to enjoy their remaining free time rather than returning to school. The idea of giving up their well-deserved break for additional work in the summer educational camp is not appealing.
Avoidance of Stress
Especially since it’s still considered part of their vacation month, teachers don’t want to start off with stress. Volunteering for the National Learning Camp means enduring stress from that point onwards until it’s over, which is often longer than other summer educational programs. Stress is a significant aspect of a teacher’s job, and many would rather avoid it during their vacation.
Insufficient Incentives
Many teachers believe that the incentives offered are not sufficient to compensate for the days spent at the National Learning Camp. Life in 2024 is challenging, and teachers work hard to provide for their families. Proper compensation is crucial to encourage more volunteer teaching, rather than forcing schools to use available staff or hire new ones, which often happens in government educational programs.
Perceived Redundancy
Some teachers think the National Learning Camp is redundant because the students selected will still progress to the next grade level in the new school year. The instructional period is relatively short, and students today have shorter retention spans. The National Learning Camp seems like an imitation of educational styles from other countries, which might not align with our local educational context.
Doubts on Effectiveness
Some teachers also believe that the National Learning Camp is a waste of time and money if students do not internalize what they learn. Scenario-based learning might be more effective in such cases. The program is only worthwhile if students take something valuable from it, which isn’t always guaranteed. In some schools, when there are no volunteer students, advisers must create a list of names, making it seem like all schools should have volunteers, whether they are willing or not.
The National Learning Camp has its bright sides but sometimes falls short in reality. The Department of Education encourages teachers to volunteer during the NLC. If no one comes forward, principals will have to make decisions, making voluntary participation feel more like a mandate.
In conclusion, while the National Learning Camp aims to enhance student learning during the summer, the lack of volunteerism among teachers highlights critical issues that need addressing. Understanding these reasons can help in making necessary adjustments to ensure the success of future National Learning Camps. – Mark | Helpline PH
