By Kurt Jaden P. Mercado

As the first semester of school year 2025–2026 nears its end, representatives of Far Eastern University (FEU) administrative offices presented the drafted recalibrations to the blended learning modality calendar during ‘TamHall II: Beyond the Survey – Blended Learning In Focus (Follow-Through)’ at The Huddle last December 4.

The speakers for the event were Student Development and Continuing Education Vice President Joeven Castro, University Registrar Genesis Borja, and Academic Standards Office (ASO) Senior Director Dr. Joseph Jintalan.

Meanwhile, Office of Student Involvement Director Jhonalyn Concha, students, and leaders from various University organizations were also present.

Opening his speech, Castro stated the importance of students voicing out their perspectives to the administration.

"When you chime in, your ideas, your perspectives, your feedback, nayuyugyog kami. Ibig sabihin no'n (we are shaken. Which means), it's a way for the administration to also reflect on whether the practices… are still resonating with your needs," he said. 

The sudden shift to hybrid modality was a controversial change in the FEU community, causing numerous discourse online and offline, and became one of the contributing factors of the previously held walkouts. 

While some students deemed this mode of learning convenient, others raised issues such as the shortage of devices and learning spaces available, lack of guidance from professors, and reduced focus during online class sessions.

This is reflected in the data presented by Borja, wherein 53 percent of 16,909 respondents answered that the blended learning modality does not work for them, while 47 percent said otherwise.

However, due to the narrow gap between the responses, the University registrar underlined that the data is not enough reason to completely abolish hybrid learning.

Students were also asked for their preferences in the survey, with the highest responses being 40 percent wanting more in-person classes, 23 percent wishing to maintain the preexisting setup, and 22 percent favoring a week-long independent learning session.

Following the survey's results, Borja presented the proposed schedule for the second semester, wherein weeks 1 to 2, 8 to 10, and 17 to 18 will hold fully face-to-face classes; weeks 12 and 13 will switch to an online setup, the former due to Holy Week; and the rest of the weeks will follow the existing hybrid modality policies.

Furthermore, Jintalan discussed the rationale behind the changes in the schedule and emphasized that professor input is still necessary even in blended learning weeks.

"Walang mag-i-independent learning. The rationalization is 'guided practice.' Hindi puwedeng sabihin ni Teacher, 'Oh, kayo na bahala, you're on your own na' (There will be no independent learning. The rationalization is 'guided practice.' The teacher cannot say 'you're on your own')," the ASO Senior Director asserted.

The event ended with an open forum wherein the attending administrators clarified questions and issues brought up by students regarding their experiences under the blended modality, including suspensions, earlier announcements explaining the changes, and even possible adjustments to the proposed schedule.

When asked about his thoughts regarding the proposal, FEU Central Student Organization (FEUCSO) President Raezon Gonzales stated that he was partly satisfied, but more evaluations still need to be made. 

"As a student, I am partly satisfied, kasi 'yung kina-campaign natin na (because our campaign for) more onsite classes was heard. However, marami pa rin talagang need i-check (many things still need to be checked) with the recalibrated modality in which FEUCSO is still sensing and evaluating," he shared.

The FEUCSO President added that these changes may solve some concerns raised by students, particularly with in-person interactions. 

"I think these changes will benefit the student body kasi having more onsite classes on the students’ end feels like they are availing of their paid tuition fees and academic services. Another thing na nakikita ko rito na concern ng mga (I see as a concern of) students before is that mas maraming (there will be more) interaction with their peers and instructors, which is viable for their own learning," he said.

Meanwhile, fourth-year Nursing student Henry Rasco expressed his doubts on the effectiveness of the changes that will be implemented into blended learning. 

"Students faced significant issues, and if the recalibrated plan is implemented immediately, many of the concerns raised by the student body will likely carry over into the next term," he shared.

Furthermore, Rasco urged the University to take a more 'strategic' approach in implementing the said learning modality to avoid the same issues faced by the students during the current semester.

"The more responsible approach is to assess its real impact through strategic pilot testing in smaller, program-based batches, where its implementation and effectiveness can be properly evaluated—rather than repeatedly piloting large-scale versions that continue to show flaws," the Nursing student said.

He also emphasized the need to first resolve the preexisting issues faced by students for the proposed version to go smoothly. 

"Unless the critical and underlying problems that students faced this semester are fully acknowledged and resolved, and unless all stakeholders genuinely accept the changes, these challenges will continue to persist and may also affect the effectiveness of this recalibrated version of Blended Learning," Rasco asserted.

Both students wish that the upcoming semester's learning modality will be executed better to fulfill its goal of providing smooth and convenient learning experiences to students.

The proposed changes to the hybrid modality are still subject to change, with no date regarding the announcement of the final schedule given. 

TamHall is an initiative spearheaded by FEUCSO to allow communication between the student body and concerned administrative offices regarding the blended learning modality. 

(Photo by Cathlyn Audrey Adaro/FEU Advocate)