With schools across the country closed and the reopening time uncertain, the Ministry of Education has been gathering online teaching materials, looking for ways to keep kids engaged beyond the limited hours of remote-learning school days. However, education experts suggest that blended learning is a serious mode of education that works well, albeit with responsible and committed students. They assert that if the parents’ role is neglected, students are at a high risk of ignoring e-learning platforms. So, what can be the role of parents and guardians who are taking over teachers and childcare providers to help students navigate blended learning? Egide Abimana, an education consultant with six years’ experience of coaching students via Google classes, urges parents to be consistent by making schedules for their learners because consistency helps students focus. “Better to start with a daily schedule because kids learn easily when they know what to expect. Additionally, parents should keep in mind to build in breaks and a range of activities aimed at amusing the kids to make the class more fun,” he says. He adds that before making a schedule, parents should put in consideration the provided assignments sent by their school, in addition to the Ministry of Education’s e-learning platform. Laetitia Mujawamariya, a parent of four and a resident of Kicukiro, says that parents need to also understand the students and provide enough time for breaks and relaxation time, because “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”. “As I have observed, some youngsters can work on assignments for around 25 minutes before they need a break. Others can use 50 or more. Therefore, we should be wise to mix in some breaks as we have this opportunity to be with them throughout the day, because it helps them refocus,” she says. She also says that she instructs the kids to make the daily sport activities to be refreshed, and avoid online videos until the end of the day. Videos make for good rewards, but can be distracting, she adds. Martine Uwacu, a language teacher at Green Hills Academy, says that though a parent’s role is primarily needed, it is possible for parents with children of multiple ages to delegate tasks to older students. “You can give older kids a sense of responsibility by asking them to tutor their young siblings and give them the directions,” she says, adding that this is done with much supervision because older siblings may penalise the younger ones. “Listen to your child,” she says, “If they say ‘I don’t get it’ or, ‘I’m tired and I can’t do this’, hear them out rather than tell them what to do next. This will show them you are listening and you will make progress,” she explains. The shift to learning from home still gives children the chance to develop and use their skills; particularly when parents set up structures — then stand back to let kids shine alone, experts suggest. At the beginning of this break, Dr Irene Ndayambaje, Director General of Rwanda Education Board, asked for joined efforts from parents to help realise the country’s education goals and achievements. “Parents should help learners keep reading, the same applies to teachers; they should take time to revise their curriculum. This is not the time to sit back and relax, what is needed is to use the period productively,” he said, adding that we all have to work together as we wait for the way forward. Some people have raised concerns about home-schooling, but it is not as bad as they think. Researches show that at least 14 former US presidents were home-schooled, including Thomas Jefferson, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Theodore Roosevelt, George Washington and Woodrow Wilson. Albert Einstein was too, as were Leonardo da Vinci, Louis Armstrong, Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) and actor Charlie Chaplin.
