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M D L: I E A P L N N: Odular Istance Earning TS Ffect in The Cademic Erformance of Earners in The EW Ormal
M D L: I E A P L N N: Odular Istance Earning TS Ffect in The Cademic Erformance of Earners in The EW Ormal
Abstract. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, schools, particularly in the rural areas employed Modular Distance Learning
(MDL) to ensure educational continuity. This study seeks to investigate the effects of MDL in the academic performance
of learners whether there is a significant difference in their performance before and after the implementation of MDL. A
mixed-method was applied in this study; Quantitative using T-Test to compare the GWA of learners and Qualitative
through the use of the semi-structured interview to find out the perceived effects of MDL to 15 parents, ten learners, and
seven teachers, and their recommendations. The study revealed that the 2.25% decrease in the GWA of learners after the
implementation of MDL denotes a significant difference in their academic performance. MDL strengthens family
bonding, independent learning, and is cost-effective. However, it is an additional workload to working parents, there is
limited teacher-learner interaction, learners lack socialization with other children, and have no exposure to significant
school activities but are rather exposed to many distractions at home. To bridge the gaps, simplifying modules
accompanied by video lessons and audio recordings, conduct of online mediations, neighborhood instruction, and home
visitations are recommended. The results of this study will help teachers reflect on their current teaching strategies and
improve learning outcomes. Future researchers who will conduct research related to “Modular Distance Learning” may
also consider the findings of this study in drafting their related concepts.
Keywords: Modular Distance Learning; Academic Performance; New Normal
204
Journal of Education, Teaching, and Learning
Volume 6 Number 2 September 2021. Page 204-208
p-ISSN: 2477-5924 e-ISSN: 2477-8478
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Journal of Education, Teaching, and Learning
Volume 6 Number 2 September 2021. Page 204-208
p-ISSN: 2477-5924 e-ISSN: 2477-8478
206
Journal of Education, Teaching, and Learning
Volume 6 Number 2 September 2021. Page 204-208
p-ISSN: 2477-5924 e-ISSN: 2477-8478
cartoons/ movies. In that case, learner’s works will be hastily who have no internet connections due to economic constraints
done because they spend most of their time playing rather than and location are catered to as they can utilize these materials
studying. offline.
4) No exposure to significant school activities 2) Home Visitation
Curricular and co-curricular activities are part of the The teachers must do constant monitoring to learners to
teaching and learning process. Extracurricular activities learn more about the learners’ needs and their home
provide learners with the self-confidence to become well- environment. This will help the teachers to have a better
rounded individuals (Naik, 2018). It was evident that in the understanding of the factors that affect the learners’
new normal in education, extracurricular and other school performance. This too is an opportunity to cheer them up and
activities have been restricted. Differentiated activities such as encourage them for they look on the importance of having a
role-plays, educational games, and other group activities are teacher beside them.
not being observed in modular distance learning. 3) Conduct Online Mediation
Postponement of the school’s extracurricular activities like To address the problem of the limited interaction between
field trips, school retreat, foundation day, and other activities the teacher and the learners and the lack of socialization
will surely be missed by the learners this school year. among the learners, implementing a blended learning modality
5) Too many activities in the module (combination of modular and online learning) is
It was revealed that SLMs are activity-centered, it is more recommended. Teachers need to set a schedule for online
on paper and pencil activities. Learners complained that there mediations through any available and accessible online
are too many tasks/ activities incorporated in the modules. As platforms that allow the teacher and the learners to freely
parents observed, learners tend to become lazy in studying communicate with each other.
because SLMs are more on the usual question and answer and 4) Neighborhood Instruction
are also limited to reading and writing. Aside from home visitation, neighborhood teaching to
6) Lack of socialization with other children address the concerns of learners and at the same time assist
A large number of parents were worried that in the wake of them in accomplishing their learning tasks must also be
the pandemic, the social development of their children was conducted at least twice a month. Here, learners will be
affected at a deep level. Especially in the case of younger clustered according to their sitios and the teacher living in the
children, loss of interaction with peers and their normal same sitio or assigned in that particular sitio will be the one to
environment had influenced the development of their social cater to the learners’ needs. This is also an avenue for teacher-
skills. Schools play a huge role in disciplining and polishing learner and learner-learner interaction but with the assurance
social skills; modular distance learning has taken away that that minimum health protocols are strictly observed.
opportunity from learners and parents were now looking for
other ways to help develop these skills. IV. CONCLUSIONS
7) Errors in some modules Noting the results of the study, the following are hereby
During this pandemic, learning modules play an important concluded. The academic performance of learners after the
role in the learning of millions of public school learners. The implementation of Modular Distance Learning (MDL)
opening of classes was delayed twice to allow schools, decreased. It only means that face-to-face which is the most
teachers, learners, and parents to prepare for the demands of important side of physical learning was more favorable and
distance learning. But the postponements, it seemed were not more effective in terms of children’s learning. It was
enough to ensure that the education department’s learning determined that there were more negative effects of MDL than
materials were-error free. As said by Education positive ones. According to the respondents, limited
Undersecretary Diosdado San Antonio in his interview “not interaction between the teacher and the learners was the main
all modules prepared this year underwent quality assurance” problem that emerged in the implementation of Modular
(Magsambol, 2020). Distance Learning. Another problem is that there are too many
tasks/ activities incorporated in the modules. Hence, constant
C. Theme 3: Interventions monitoring of teachers (home visitation) on the progress of
learners to be able to give feedback mechanisms and guide
1) Simplify modules or workbooks accompanied by
those learners who need special attention is a must. The
video and audio lessons
administration should concentrate on improving and
The Department of Education should consider reducing the
simplifying worksheets or workbooks to be distributed to
number of activities included in the Self- learning modules.
learners accompanied with video lessons that are aligned with
The learners, especially the elementary learners tend to get
the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELC). They
uninterested and worn out by merely seeing many activities to
should conduct training, seminars, or workshops for teachers
be answered given their short attention span. It is also highly
to be acquainted and so that their skills in the use of Modular
recommended that printed SLMs are to be accompanied by
Distance Learning (MDL) will be enhanced. Lastly, before the
video and audio lessons. Teachers have to take advantage of
opening of each school year, a meeting or open forum among
what technology can offer by utilizing applications for video
teachers, parents, and other stakeholders should be conducted
and audio making to enrich learning and still be able to deliver
to further explain or discuss the reality of the new normal
their lessons efficiently. Moreover, through this, the learners
education.
207
Journal of Education, Teaching, and Learning
Volume 6 Number 2 September 2021. Page 204-208
p-ISSN: 2477-5924 e-ISSN: 2477-8478
REFERENCES
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