Learners can focus more on lessons without ‘distractions’ on walls –DepEd

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday maintained that students would be able to focus on their lessons if there are less “distractions” like posters and decorations on classroom walls. 

“The Department believes that the learners can focus more on the lessons at hand if there are less distractions inside the classrooms. Normally, ‘yung mga distractions na ‘yan [these distractions] come in the form of too many posters that are posted on the walls,” said DepEd Assistant Secretary Francis Cesar Bringas in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.

Bringas explained that the instructional or visual aids, which were typically posted on classroom walls, could only be brought out and be used by teachers during the time for instruction.

“Kaya ang directive ni Secretary gawing malinis lahat ng mga walls natin para makapag-focus ang mga bata sa kanilang mga lessons at hand at makapag-focus sila sa teachers na facilitators of learning inside the classroom,” he added.

(That’s why the Secretary's directive is to make all our walls clean so that the children can focus on their lessons at hand and on their teachers who are facilitators of learning inside the classroom.)

DepEd Order 21, signed by Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte, states that schools “shall ensure that school grounds, classrooms and all its walls, and other school facilities are clean and free from unnecessary artwork, decorations, tarpaulin, and posters at all times.”

Likewise, oversized signages with commercial advertisements, words of sponsorships, and/or endorsement or announcements of any kind or nature should also be taken down.

“Classroom walls shall remain bare and devoid of posters, decorations or other posted materials. Classrooms should not be used to stockpile materials and should be clear of other unused items or items for disposal,” the Order read.

Child clinical psychologist Dr. Anna Tuazon, however, said that bare walls in the classroom may leave students understimulated, especially in a public school setting.

According to her, a few displays and decorations in the classroom that are related to what students are studying would not be improper.

Tuazon also explained that based on studies, students would find it encouraging if their artwork and achievements were posted. —Giselle Ombay/ VAL, GMA Integrated News