Panic-gogy and collective grief

Panic-gogy and collective grief

-

- Advertisment -spot_img

In the midst of continuing learning processes despite CoViD-19, many academic institutions are jumping into online learning.

While a good alternative, and reflective of the future of education, it also opens a host of complications from not having stable Internet access, or not having internet at all, to financial issues, and most of all, the dilemmas on mental health during this time.

An educator friend of mine exclaimed, “Who can teach, and teach well at a time like this?” A student of mine also lamented, “I can’t concentrate, Ma’am! And we don’t have internet at home.” These are real stories, and there are actually more of them portraying a real digital gap that has yet to be bridged in the country.

Some US professors have coined the term “panic-gogy” which is the methodology they are trying to implement despite the crisis. It means understanding the realities of students and their differentiated needs. Some have family responsibilities. Some have been sent home. Some will have to reallocate finances or may need to find food and other necessities for themselves and their families.

Moving the class over to Messenger, Skype, or Zoom may be easy from a technical standpoint, but challenging from a practical perspective, especially when surrounded by all the pressures. It is also not just a matter of having a functional platform such as Moodle or Google Classroom.

Sean Michael Morris of the University of Colorado reminds that, “Recognizing that we’re also human, figuring this out together is incredibly important. The idea of being able to just port what you’re doing in a classroom into an online environment has its own problems. But trying to do that in the midst of a pandemic is another problem altogether.”

It is important to realize that we are not merely working from home, but that we are striving to work even during a pandemic.

This shift in understanding hopefully gives us a better perspective on what it entails to transfer classes online and if the idea at this time of pandemic is really feasible.

While it is encouraged to use this time to continue learning, whether off and online, for formal class settings, it will not be easy to have them online at the same time, with the same bandwidth, and submit their assignments at the same pace. The learning platform may also not be enough.

Teachers as well have their own teaching styles, and having online platforms need a collaborative effort with people with different skills. More importantly, we have to reflect on what teaching and learning should be at this time, with a growing public health crisis.

A frank realization is that ‘going to class’ may not be a priority right now. We have to extend our care and concern through these spaces if learning is to be genuinely effective.

*****

In an article published in the Harvard Business Review, healing expert David Kessler explained that we are collectively grieving.

We grieve for the lives lost due to this pandemic — especially if they were dear to us. We grieve for those who battle it alone. As a community, we also grieve because of fear and uncertainty. We grieve the loss of normalcy; of not having enough for everyday needs, and the loss of connection.

As a country that prides itself for being close-knit, where neighbors become extended family, and friends become almost-full-fledged family members, where a hug and a “mano, po” gesture to our elders are signs of respect, this demand for social distancing is hitting us hard.

Kessler in the article explained that during this time, we are also experiencing another type of grief, called ‘anticipatory grief’, which is due to the “fragility of the future and the fear that people dear to us are vulnerable” to the dreaded virus.

It is also because we know something is bad out there but we can’t see it. The mere thought of it continues to affect us, and yet, we do not know how it will change our tomorrows.

To manage this grief, we are encouraged to understand, and go through the process of grieving. Psychologists talk about the stages of grief: First, we have denial: This virus is not going to affect me. Second, there’s anger: How dare you make me stay home! Third, there’s bargaining: Ok, I will exercise social distancing so I can go out, right? Fourth, there’s sadness: We are in a quarantine, and we don’t know when this will end. And finally, there’s acceptance. The virus is here, it has claimed lives, I have to be prepared, and I have to protect myself and my family.

Acceptance is where the power lies. We find control in acceptance. I will wash my hands. I will wear a mask. I will Stay Home.

However, going through the stages is also dependent upon one’s circumstances. Some may find it difficult to accept their current realities, or refuse to because they are numbed with pain over loss, fear, aloneness, or hunger.

During this time, it would be good to do a self-reflection, and to check our privilege. It is not to discount one’s personal struggle but to acknowledge there are certain struggles that we will never encounter and are specific to other people. Let’s stock up on our collective compassion, and find a way to lift each other up as we grieve.

As a community, we have to reactivate our collective empathy. If you are in a position to help one or two, do so. This is the perfect time to be there for each other.

But don’t also feel guilty for feeling the way you feel. Don’t be a victim to your feelings but allow yourselves to feel.

And if you need a bit more help, some psychologists have formed themselves into a group called Your Mental Health amid Coronavirus, which offers resources for the community to help in coping with the CoViD-19 pandemic crisis. Find the group Your Mental Health amid coronavirus on Facebook. They post reading materials essential in our day-to-day survival. They publish a list of volunteer mental health advocates you can contact for a one-on-one consultation. They also offer virtual support group discussions to listen to each other’s experiences and learn from them.

We will heal as one.

__________________________________

Author’s email: [email protected]

Latest news

City’s 2025 budget still hanging

    “It will not happen again. We made the mistake before. We will not make the same mistake again.” This was...

Chinese spy nabbed in Dumaguete

    The National Bureau of Investigation and the Armed Forces of the Philippines presented in Manila Thursday an alleged Chinese...

Cause for concern

    The capture of a suspected Chinese spy last week right here in Dumaguete City continues to be the talk...

5 dolphins die in stranding

    Five dolphins died in Bais City, following a mass stranding in Bais Bay, Negros Oriental. Authorities suspect the dolphins died...
- Advertisement -spot_imgspot_img

2000 Canlaon evacuees to get TUPAD aid

    More than 2,000 displaced residents from Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, have been identified as beneficiaries of the government’s Tulong...

Comelec to hold candidates’ fora

    The Commission on Elections is organizing a forum for Negros Oriental candidates in the May 12 national and local...

Must read

City’s 2025 budget still hanging

    “It will not happen again. We made the mistake...

Chinese spy nabbed in Dumaguete

    The National Bureau of Investigation and the Armed Forces...
- Advertisement -spot_imgspot_img

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you