KUALA LUMPUR: Social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye has raised concerns over inculcating new norms relating to challenges of infectious diseases, particularly among pre-schoolers and primary school students.
Lee, who is the Alliance for Safe Community chairman, said parents and school teachers were worried about the challenges of instilling discipline in their students to adhere to standard operating procedures (SOP).
"This may not be a big issue in the classroom, where desks and playmats are placed distance apart, but it will be a challenge when the children are in the canteen area, toilets or while waiting for their transports to go home."
Lee said such concerns stemmed from the issues of whether the teachers and carers are sufficiently trained to enforce the new norms while returning to physical teaching after three months of online teaching.
"As suggested by the National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP), teachers must be provided with adequate training on teaching pedagogies of the new norm, before they return to teach in classrooms.
"They must be physically and mentally prepared to face teaching challenges post Covid-19," he said in a statement.
Lee said the issues must be addressed to reduce work stress and the relevant authorities must constantly monitor the progress of the new classroom culture.
"If this matter is not properly addressed, it might result in greater stress levels among the teachers. It is reassuring to note that the authorities are aware of this possibility, and are providing counselling services to teachers and students.
"In this area, it would help if the ministry sets up an information and counselling centre to cater for teachers and school principals.
"They might even want to consider setting up a hotline to answer queries, while offering quick and relevant information and advice, especially on matters that are not yet covered by the SOPs on a timely basis," Lee said.
Lee highlighted other areas of concerns such as the additional cost for a school to bear, in providing hand sanitisers, face masks and other personal protective equipment.
Lee also suggested for the Education director-general to address schools through regular media statement by providing relevant and timely information, complete with statistics, advice and encouragement.
"She could give credit to exemplary schools, laud innovative SOPs drawn up by the schools' management and highlight the work of exemplary teachers and students.
"Since some students are back in school, maybe the Curriculum Development Unit in the ministry could consider introducing a lesson on infectious diseases which includes preventative measures and precautions."