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Addressing The Problems Faced by Primary Level Teachers and Students in Implementing Modular Distance Learning

This document presents a research proposal that aims to address problems faced by primary school teachers and students in implementing modular distance learning in the Philippines. It will investigate issues related to parental cooperation, student engagement, and development of learning materials. The study seeks to understand challenges encountered by teachers, such as lack of available modules, difficulty explaining this new approach to parents, and spending significant time checking assignments. It also notes problems reported by students and parents, such as modules containing errors or not being distributed on time. The researchers aim to identify root causes of these issues and develop interventions to help teachers resolve difficulties of facilitating learning remotely.
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
154 views32 pages

Addressing The Problems Faced by Primary Level Teachers and Students in Implementing Modular Distance Learning

This document presents a research proposal that aims to address problems faced by primary school teachers and students in implementing modular distance learning in the Philippines. It will investigate issues related to parental cooperation, student engagement, and development of learning materials. The study seeks to understand challenges encountered by teachers, such as lack of available modules, difficulty explaining this new approach to parents, and spending significant time checking assignments. It also notes problems reported by students and parents, such as modules containing errors or not being distributed on time. The researchers aim to identify root causes of these issues and develop interventions to help teachers resolve difficulties of facilitating learning remotely.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 32

ADDRESSING THE PROBLEMS FACED BY PRIMARY LEVEL

TEACHERS AND STUDENTS IN IMPLEMENTING

MODULAR DISTANCE LEARNING

A Research Proposal Presented to the Faculty of College of Education


Bulacan State University
City of Malolos, Bulacan

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Subject


Introduction to Research

By:

DE LEON, JUBAIRAH R.

GALVEZ, JENICA DG.

GANELO, ERLINDA S.

PATAWARAN, PATRICIA MAE C.

January 2022

i
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
TITLE PAGE ………………………………………………………………… i
TABLE OF CONTENTS ……………………………………………………. ii
LIST OF TABLES …………………………..……………………………….
LIST OF FIGURES ………………………………………………………….
LIST OF APPENDICES …………………………………………………….
CHAPTER
I THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND
Introduction ……………………………………………………………….. 1-4
Statement of the Problem …………………………………………………. 4-5

Significance of the Study …………………………………………………. 5-7

Scope and Delimitations …………………………...……………………… 8

II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Related Literature ………………………………………………………… 9-14

Related Studies ……………………………………………………………. 14-17

Synthesis …………………………………………………………………... 17-18

Theoretical Framework ……………………………...……………..……... 18-21

Conceptual Framework ……………………………………………………. 22

Hypotheses of the Study …………………………………………………… 23

Definition of Terms ………………………………………………………... 23

ii
III METHODOLOGY

Research Design …………………………………………………………..

Respondents and Sampling Design …………………………………….…

Instrument and Validation ……………………………………………..….

Data Gathering Procedure …………………………………………………

Treatment of Data …………………………………………………………

REFERENCES ………………………………………………………………

APPENDICES ………………………………………………………………

CURRICULUM VITAE ……………………………………………………

iii
1

CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

As a result of the pandemic, many aspects of daily life have shifted. One of them is

the teaching method. In face-to-face classes, we suddenly shift to modular learning. What is

modular learning? That would be new to both parents and students, and some of them would

have no idea how it works or what they will learn in this setting. The researchers want to

know how this COVID-19 pandemic prepares the students and teachers, as well as the

parents, for the new set-up of learning, which is modular, and where students need to learn

and answer their learning modules at home or in short, we call it "Home Learning."

However, there are several problems and challenges that teachers encounter in the New

Normal Teaching because of the implementation of modular learning. One of those is teacher

readiness. Let us openly acknowledge that many teachers in our country do not have

sufficient training in online teaching. This problem raises the question, "Can we continue to

learn in this way" even if the problems persist.

Are learners prepared for this "new normal" in education? Many institutions

throughout the world have indeed been to the limits because of these events, including us, the

Filipinos, who can't believe Modular Distance Learning occurred to us. As the pandemic

continues to frighten us, teachers conceive of and propose a range of options to all of our

teaching even though we're all in our homes and will not be able to meet face-to-face.
2

The COVID-19 outbreak has already had particularly detrimental effects on education.

It is why the Department of Education (DepEd), through DepEd Order No. 12, s. 2020,

introduced regulations to all offices, schools, students, parents, and stakeholders on the Basic

Education Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP), which is composed of different interventions

that aim to counteract the challenges brought about by the pandemic to the field of education.

DepEd has considered the safety and well-being of the students, teachers, and other

personnel in designing the BE-LCP.

One of the learning delivery modalities introduced to offer an alternative for continuing

education is modular distance learning. Manlangit, Paglumotan, and Sapera (2020) described

this modality as a form of distance learning that involves the use of Self-Learning Modules

(SLM) based on Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCS) given by DepEd. The

Self-Learning Modules include motivation, review, discussions, activities, and assessment

that serve as a complete guide of both teachers’ and students’ desired competencies. Students

might receive it in the paper, digital, or electronic format. Learners can also use other

resources such as textbooks, study guides, and other learning materials. Teachers are obliged

to keep a close eye on their students' performance by contacting them via various online and

offline platforms.

On the other hand, parents and family members will serve as household partners who

guide the students at home. Parents' schedules and time management need to be adjusted

because they are the ones who need to guide their children in answering their self-learning

modules. Since parents are the ones who guide the learners, they also experience stressful
3

problems in modular distance learning as well as things that happen every day to their

children. Education and learning modalities must engage and motivate students while also

assuring parents that their children are learning without encountering any issues that may

cause stress, anxiety, or loss of interest in learning.

There are various problems and challenges that teachers experienced this academic year

as an impact of the adoption of modular distance learning. According to teacher Car in her

YouTube vlog entry, one of the problems they encountered was the availability of digital and

printed modules. She also stated that they have a hard time explaining to parents of the

students why there are no available modules. The second is that they are in charge of creating

or producing learning activity sheets as a replacement for modules. The third one is the lack

of resources to produce modules. Next is when parents didn’t return or receive the modules

on time. Lastly, checking bulky modules is also one of the challenges they encountered.

Furthermore, according to one of The Manila Times' (2020) articles, Pangasinan

educators have identified two significant problems with the educational modules. First, some

of these modules are riddled with errors, making them not advisable to use. The second issue

is the cost of printing and distributing printed modules, which is a problem for schools and

teachers, which teachers are compelled to pay for out of their own pockets to supply these

learning materials.

These problems have made it difficult for teachers to facilitate learning in the pandemic

year, especially at the primary level where the teaching-and-learning process requires ample

preparation, interaction, and guidance. Teachers struggled to ensure that students were

learning in this new situation. They also have a hard time checking and distributing the self-
4

learning modules. Because the modules are not always available, parents can become

dissatisfied. Some students cannot get the complete sets of modules in a week. While

checking the modules, teachers allot a lot of time to it because of the large number of

modules that they need to check. Then some of the students get a perfect score and proper

handwriting, which means someone older than the students answered their learning modules.

The researchers want to address these issues and develop more interventions to help teachers

resolve the problems they've encountered.

This research will systematically address the different problems that the primary level

teachers and students of Longos Elementary School encountered while implementing

modular distance learning. It will focus on the problem related to the cooperation and

involvement of the parents as household partners, engagement of learners, and the

development and reproduction of different LDM learning resources such as modules and

learning activity sheets. From the findings of this study, the researchers will develop a

remediation program that will consist of various intervention activities aimed at addressing

the identified problems.

Statement of the Problem

The study aims to determine the issues and concerns regarding the use of modular

learning methodology among teachers in Longos Elementary School, Division of Balagtas.

The study tries to find the answers to the following questions:

1. How can the respondents be described in terms of their personalities?


5

a. Number of years of experience.

b. Attendance at Modular Distance Seminars/Webinars Learning

2. What problems have been encountered by primary level teachers related to:

a. Parents’ Cooperation and Involvement

b. Learners’ Engagement

c. Material Development and Production at MDL

3. What problems have been encountered by primary level students related to:

a. Answering Modules

b. Learning Environment

c. Guardian's Assistance

4. To what extent are the issues on modular learning modularity in terms of technical

elements, teacher’s preparedness, self-learning modules (SLMs), teacher’s support, and

pupils’ learning?

Significance of the Study

When the COVID-19 pandemic decimated the world, including the Philippines, most

people were just scraping by. This pandemic has a wide-ranging influence on society,

including education. We quickly switched from face-to-face sessions to modular learning.


6

Most schools have no concept of how it's done, what methods are used, or how students

might learn in such a setting. The Department of Education (DepEd) has been steadfast in its

resolve to provide education. As a result, the Department of Education (DepEd) issued

DepEd Order No. 12 (s. 2020, a framework that covers a broad range of interventions.

Incorporating modular distance learning as a learning method. To overcome the issue that the

pandemic has brought to the field of education. Modular learning is one of the learning

delivery modalities that was introduced to be an option for continuing education. This

modality involves Self Learning modules (SLM) based on the Most Learning Competencies

(MELCs) given by the DepEd.

This research will address the problems of primary level teachers and primary level

students encountered while implementing Modular Distance Learning. From the findings of

this study, the researchers will develop a remediation program that will consist of various

intervention activities aimed at addressing the identified problems. The study was conducted

with the desire of providing and offering a possibly significant contribution and the

advantages of the following: 

Teachers. Teachers in the New Normal Teaching face multiple challenges and difficulties

because of Modular Learning. Among them is teacher preparedness. Let's face it: many of

our country's teachers lack the necessary training to teach online classes. This begs the

question of whether the student can learn in this manner constantly. The problem continues

to this day. The study's findings may help teachers alter and adapt to the overloaded

curriculum and self-learning modules that students will utilize distance learning. Use cutting-
7

edge ideas and approaches in teaching the topic that is suited for the primary students' needs

and level of interest during their self-paced learning mode.

Students. The researchers aim to gather information from the primary level students and

teachers to recognize and distinguish the problems encountered in implementing modular

distance learning from each other’s point-of-view. The students who come up to undergo

studies at their own pace will get the advantages of quality instruction in Distance Learning

Delivery Modality (DLDM) resulting from the teacher’s high degree of readiness during this

crucial time. It may also create awareness among students and even parents about their rights

and responsibilities. As a result of research, the primary students will effectively respond to

the overloading curriculum, with the teachers' preparedness being one of the most influential

factors.

Parents. This study will help to motivate the parents to give their full support to the programs

and goals of the DepED. Furthermore, the outcome of the study will help them to understand

that they are partner with school in terms of motivating and guiding their children to cope up

with and study better.

The Researcher. The outcome of the study will help the researcher to determine the effect of

the identified factors have on the implementation of modular distance learning in educational

new normal system. The research will recommend possible solutions to improve more the

quality of education in new normal system, and as well as the strategies and skills of the

teachers to continue the learning process despite of pandemic. Moreover, the researcher

could offer a suggestion to Department of Education that would develop the delivery of

distance learning under the primary levels.


8

Future Researchers. The results earned from this study will offer them information for

related studies or for inquiries regarding to the challenges that affect teachers’ readiness

which would also affect the academic performance of the students while studying in their

humble homes during the implementation of modular distance learning. It will also serve as a

relevant understanding to researchers who are planning to conduct a similar study.

Scope and Delimitations

The study will limit its scope to nine (9) primary level teachers and fifty (50) primary

level students of Longos Elementary School in Balagtas, Bulacan who are enrolled on the

academic year 2021-2022. They are the chosen respondents specifically for this study for the

reason that they are the beneficiaries of the recommendations that will be provided once the

study was conducted.


9

CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Related Literature

Foreign

According to Brookover, Wilbur; And Others (1982), training to use modules helps

teachers, administrators, and school staff produce learners who will get high levels of

achievement regardless of the hindrances to the student’s environment. Modular learning

calls for the relationship between teacher expectations, student perceptions of teacher

expectations and evaluations, and student achievement. Also, this mode of learning addresses

principles for grouping students to maximize achievement and simplify classroom

management, and it deals with the teacher’s strategy of effective instruction. They also talk

about the problem of the discipline of the students while answering their modules. Lastly,

modular learning discusses methods for student cooperative learning, the use of positive

reinforcements such as praise, and assessment data to improve instructional programs.

According to Oluniyi (2013), this mode of learning has been an alternative to access

education globally. To continue the practices of learning before, the Centre for Distance

Learning at Obafemi Awolowo University began transitioning the existing program from a

face-to-face model to an e-learning model. This study will review the challenges and

problems encountered in transitioning to a new mode of learning. Also, they mentioned the

most significant issue of the learners, which are the solution to Internet Facilities and

Inability to use Computer. Although the respondents admitted that there are e-learning

challenges, they also believe that those challenges could be solved. The transition to this
10

mode of learning made a massive reaction of the students. Challenges of online learning

include the availability of the technology and skills using the new way of learning, the

pedagogical skills for online instructions, and disposition to innovation are real threats to

students' success.

Based on this literature, The Open and Distance Learning (ODL) has it goals,

according to National Policy on Education (NPE) this are: to provide quality education and

equity in educational opportunities especially for those who have been denied, to meet

special needs of the employees especially the teachers, to encourage internalization,

especially of tertiary education curricula, and to ameliorate the effect of internal and external

brain drain in tertiary institutions by utilizing experts as teachers regardless of their locations

or places of work.

According to Crowe (2015), The Coronavirus (COVID 19) pandemic affects the

delivery of lessons to the learners. We need to implement new approaches and strategies in

teaching and learning. The Department of Education (DepEd) provides a new method: the

modular distance learning modality that will suit the location of learners. The Department of

Education conducted an individual survey to the parents of the students that prefer to have a

modular distance learning modality. The schools provide learning modules for learners to use

in studying at home.

One of the biggest challenges that school organizations are experiencing today is

managing their capacity to meet all the learning needs of students. This struggle hinders

creating a wide variety of suitable learning materials to cater to the needs of learners to

complete their competencies and roles as a student. But some of the parents, due to lack of
11

education in guiding their child to their learning modules, prefer combining it with an online

explanation of the teachers regarding the modules.

According to Ozudorgo (2021), distance education offers learners to access education

independently from time and space with the support of technology and individuals around

them. Some schools and institutions choose this kind of new setup in learning because

learners need to access education, update their skill development, increase the cost of

effectiveness, increase the quality of educational structure, improve the capacity of the

system of education, balance inequalities between age groups, provide education to specific

target groups, provide emergency case training to target groups, expanding the capacity of

education in new subject areas, an associate working and family life with education and

adding an international dimension to education. Despite the beautiful goals and objectives, it

also encounters obstacles and problems. The first problem is related to the equipment and

materials used, and the second is related to pedagogy, belief, and personal preferences.

They stated that student barriers to learning would bring misinterpretation of

expectations, time management, and interpersonal communication. At the same time, the

barriers to the teachers or instructors are related to identifying expectations, providing

feedback, and interpersonal relations. O’Doherty, Dromey, Lougheed, Hannigan, Last, and

McGrath (2018) stated in their research based on the literature that barriers in modular

distance learning are limitations in time, skills, and lack of institutional strategies and support

and negative attitudes of everyone involved.

According to Rust (2000), the philosophy of modular learning empowers the student

to have a coherent and relevant curriculum. They stated that choosing this type of distance

learning is not referred by your friends or because they do not clash with part-time work
12

commitments. One problem that they see in modular learning is that there is too much

summative assessment, and this is likely to be even more “true” with each module having at

least one evaluation and probably more.

The personal tutor system made them think they could be the way to decrease the

number of students that have problems with modular learning. Also, they considered creating

designs in which the student takes responsibility for tracking and recording their knowledge.

In this case, students will be alarmed if they are not learning or not accomplishing their

modules on time. They called it Personal Profiling. When the majority of students are not

able to engage in this process, it means that they do not initially recognize the relevance or

value of it sufficiently to invest the time.

Local

Modular learning Self-learning activities are widely used and recognized in Asia and

the West as an alternative to better assisting them in the acquisition of autonomous learning.

Most of the subjects, such as natural sciences and social sciences, are taught using the

modular approach in teaching and learning.

Self-studying is one of the significant ways distance learning works. Thus, Sejpal

(2013) pointed out that the "module" concept is related to the notion of a language

curriculum that is flexible. It should be autonomous, self-contained, self-instructed, well-

defined objectives, encourage individual differences, association, information sequence

structure, systematically structured learning opportunities, usage of an array of media,


13

dynamic learner engagement, immediate strengthening of answers and responses, proficiency

of assessment approaches, and work assessment.

According to Tupas and Laguda (2020), the modular approach is an efficient and

effective tool for helping students learn. It is unusual in that each student may utilize any or

all of the educational resources at any time of day, and they are available at any time. This

method is believed to have a greater impact on learners' comprehension of texts, particularly

in self-instructional modules.

However, it is contrary to this idea that distance education will not have this value

where students’ independence requires them to be highly intrinsically motivated. Studying

alone is painful and eats a lot of time (Croft, Dalton & Grant, 2010). It necessitates an

increased motivation level due to certain levels of constraints such as discipline, preparation,

and management that not all students have.

According to Anzaldo (2021), education in a new normal is becoming difficult in the

Philippines. In accordance with this are the problems and disadvantages for teachers and

students, such as the difficulty of students in answering modules, some modules were

responded by guardians/parents, and not all students are committed to answering modules,

with some doing it merely for formality and completeness. Participants also provide

comments and suggestions that may be useful in the future. They suggests that MDL should

be combined with ODL if possible so that students can receive greater help from their

teachers and that modules be produced as soon as possible. Students must be accountable for

completing their modules for continuous learning based on the suggestions. Furthermore,
14

teachers and parents must be aware of their duties and provide more specific examples of the

lesson while reducing activities to allow children to study and absorb the lesson.

According to Chin (2020), the Philippine education system is now adjusting to

blended learning. Despite calls for "Academic Freeze" in the aftermath of the pandemic, the

DepEd believes that education must not be compromised. As a result, they developed various

modes of learning, including Modular Distance Learning. The common problems and

difficulties of this modality include technical issues such as the availability of resources, the

reliability of the Self-Learning Module, students being distracted by other things, and the

educational background of parents or guardians, because not all of them are well-equipped

with appropriate education.

Based on the Manila Bulletin’s latest news by Malipot (2020), a teacher’s federation

called the attention of DepEd due to raised issues concerning the preparation of modular

learning. The problems identified were a lack of materials in printing modules, pressure and

stress in creating modules and activity sheets in a limited time-frame, which caused teachers

to stay until the evening in school just to prepare and finish the printing of modules, and

reproduction cost, which is a big problem because schools are asked to find ways to raise

funds in a limited of time. Other LGUs give their assistance, although assurances from LGUs

in some places were not conveyed as quickly as possible.

Related Studies

Foreign
15

For the reason of limited resources, the researchers are not able to find foreign

studies.

Local

Modular learning is an arrangement of distance learning through the Self-Learning

Module (SLM) and is very convenient for most standard Filipino students. Regarding the

issues and concerns of teachers on the use of modular learning, it was established that

teachers are oriented and well prepared to fulfill their duties and assignments on modular

distance learning throughout the pandemic. Guiamalon et al. (2021). Teachers are completely

trained and developed skills to do their responsibilities efficiently and effectively.

Parents/guardians can support their children in their learning style, but some parents are

confused and disoriented by not facilitating and explaining the modules provided to their

children.

In a study conducted by Nacar & Camara (2021) about the lived experiences of

teachers in implementing modular distance learning in the Philippine setting, it was found

that teachers had experienced various issues and challenges in Modular Distance Learning

like monitoring the progress of learners and as well as transporting modules in remote areas.

With this situation, students may be at risk of dropping out or failing because teachers have

difficulty communicating with them and giving them feedback.

During this time of the pandemic, where the students are in new normal schooling,

stress is one of the primary problems students’ face, especially for the students who are

handling work, responsibilities and studying at the same time. This is why Barcenas & Bibon

(2021) conducted research about the coping mechanism of island school students on the
16

problems encountered in modular distance learning. The study shows that the students are;

desire help from educated others due to the unavailability and inaccessibility of a sudden

support system; cheating or referring to the internet for education, and cautiously organized

modules to conduct time well before answering submitting all outputs.

A study conducted by Resoles (2021) about the effects of distance learning modality

on the teaching performance of educators in the Philippines shows that educators face

various problems that need immediate solutions through appropriate policy proposals,

strategic programs, and further studies to explore the issue like motivation and willingness

among teachers, technological limitations, Accessibility issues, Wages and benefits, as well

as mental health issues.

With many studies about the harmful effects of modular distance learning, a study

conducted by Betlen (2021) focuses on the positive impacts of modular distance learning on

students, and the study shows that the effect of the modular learning approach on the

academic achievement of the students has come to the realization. Students using a modular

learning approach have significantly improved their academic performance. He also showed

a reasonable improvement in student performance using a modular approach to learning

across a variety of learning disciplines such as mathematics, science, and English.

According to Dargo and Dimas (2021), most schools in rural areas utilized Modular

Distance Learning (MDL) to ensure the continuity of education. Their study discovered that

there are 2.25% decrease in the General Weighted Average of the learners after the execution

of MDL. In addition, the negative effects they discovered that may be a problem are lacking

of socialization among learners, teacher-learner limited engagement, additional workload to


17

parents and disruptions at home. They offer several solutions to these concerns, such as

conducting online meditations, simplifying modules, and home visits.

As stated in the study of Talimodao and Madrigal (2021), there several challenges

that teachers experienced on activities, outputs and tests. There are also some problems about

the incapacity of parents to teach their children and comply in distribution or retrieval of self-

learning printed modules. They also stated that teachers need support in the said modality

from the school administrators by making them undergo training thematic assessments that is

good for the quality of printed modules.

Synthesis

The research focuses on Modular Distance Learning which is a form of individualized

instruction that allows learners to use self-learning modules (SLM's) in print or digital

format, which is applicable in the context of the learners. This serves as a complete guide for

both teachers' and students' desired competencies.

This mode of learning is very visible during this time of pandemic because social

gatherings are prohibited for the safety of all, especially the learners. According to the studies

we gathered, modular distance learning is the best approach or method that the Department

of Education can do despite the many challenges they may experience. Such as the

availability of students' devices, internet connection, government funding insufficiency, and

the time and expertise of the parents who would help their child in answering the modules.
18

In line with this, local studies stated that this type of learning was recognized in Asia

and the West to continue the acquisition of autonomous learning. Most of the curriculum

developers decided to make and use modules as a big part of this method because it is the

easiest way to utilize and most appropriate for all types of learners. A module is a self-

contained, self-instructed, well-defined objective, or in short, it refers to an instructional unit

that focuses on a particular topic.

Some foreign studies also demonstrated researchers' about modular distance learning.

Based on them, this method reinforces positive praise and assessments that help instructional

programs. The transition to this mode of learning caused a massive reaction from the

students, but they believed that those challenges could be solved. What matters most is the

benefit we can get from having and administering this kind of setup. Most institutions choose

this kind of new normal setting because learners need to access education and the academe

aims to give quality education for all and develop each learner’s full potential.

To sum it up, the advantages the studies emphasized were, learning continues depending in the

student’s willingness to accept change, parents realized their roles as it is very important. In

education, students learn to value their time and modular learning teach their students values, not

specific lessons which is repetitive.

Theoretical Framework

The researchers gathered the following theories that will support the study.
19

Andragogy Theory (Knowles, 1984)

According to Culatta 2021, Andragogy is instructing the students to focus on how the

students did the activity than the content being taught. These strategies can apply to the

activities such as case studies, role-playing, simulations, and self-evaluation. Also,

Andragogy has four assumptions about learning design; first, educators must know why

students need to learn something. Second, students need to learn experientially. Third,

students learn best when they approach us through problem-solving. Lastly, they know best

when the topic is of immediate value.

This theory will help the researchers to explain that even modular learning is done

without seeing each other, they can still utilize instructions and strategies that will make the

learners bring out their best performance, and by that teacher will be able to see the process

on student’s learning. Also, this kind of strategy will focus more on the process and less on

the content being taught. In this way, educators adopt the role of facilitator rather than

lecturer or grader.

Theory of Independent Study (Wedemeyer, 1981)

According to Instructional Design Hub 2012, the Theory of Independent Study

idealizes learner freedom. Wedemeyer characterized independent study, which is first

learning takes place through the student’s activity, second learning is made convenient for

the student in their environment. Lastly, the learner takes responsibility for the pace of their

progress, with the freedom to start and stop at any time.


20

This theory will help the researchers guide educators to design individualized

instruction, foster learner autonomy, and provide appropriate support (teaching), all of which

may make the instruction more effective for the learner. Also, this will emphasize the

importance of learner autonomy and self-responsibility that will make the learner responsible

for the pace of their progress, with the freedom to start and stop at any time.

Transactional Distance Theory (Moore, 1993)

According to Weidlich and Bastiaens 2018, Transactional distance is an influential

concept in distance education proposed by Moore; it is the fundamental guiding principle in

distance education, influencing the process of teaching and learning. It will always rely on

technologically mediated communication; we constantly have a problem. To achieve the goal

of distance learning, this aspect of technological mediation needs to be considered. Also, this

theory refers to the degree of psychological distance between learner and teacher. It tells that

space and time are the most prominent distance education problem. Distance education relies

on technology problems to deliver communication, instruction, and content to the students.

But to fill this theoretical gap, they propose “Learner-Interface Interaction” as a process of

manipulating tools to accomplish a task. Learner-Interface Interaction will make the students

aware of their ability to interact through technology, thereby influencing the learning in a

meaningful way.

This theory will help the researchers to address the problems in implementing

modular learning to the teachers and parents, like the distance between teachers and students,
21

issues in technology they are using, and the problems in the communication. Researchers will

educate readers on the issues that need to have a solution. By presenting this theory, they will

have an idea about the “Learner-Interface Interaction” that they can use to improve students’

communication, instruction, and learning content.

Habeeb Kolade’s Theory on Modular Education (Kolade, 2019)

Kolade’s Theory on Modular Education started to gain prominence as online learning

increasingly became widely accepted. The most know schools and universities are alarmed

about delivering quality education despite the situation. Being advanced in our technology

opens new possibilities in traveling to places where such instruction could be provided in a

shorter period. Still, most significantly, it opens new opportunities in our ways of learning.

Even this opens many possibilities, and this is connected to challenges. Schools experience

conflict in running their mode of education, which is modular. Most learners often rue the

time wasted and wish they had better opportunities to gain quality learning.

This theory will help the researchers tell the readers to open their minds about this

critical issue in implementing modular learning in our school's systems. Everybody needs to

be alarmed about delivering quality education through modular learning. Especially in the

situation that learners often rue the time wasted and wish they had better opportunities to

gain quality learning. Also, we in the field of education need to be concerned about how we

provide quality education to the students and how we are going to improve the running of

modular learning in our school system without wasting the students' time.
22

Input: Process: Output:

Conceptual Framework
Data of Experiences 1. Addressed the
and Problems in Problems
Modular Distance faced by
Learning of: Primary Level
Analyzing and
Teachers and
Assessing the Problems
a. Students Students in
b. Teachers Implementing
Modular
Distance
Learning
2. Suggest
Possible
Solutions to
the Problem.

Feedback

In presenting the conceptual framework of the study, the researchers used the Input-

Process-Output (IPO) Model. The Input diagram above shows what are the data needed in

order to develop the study which are the experiences and problems of students and teachers

in implementing modular distance learning. The Process diagram explains what the

researchers perform on the data gathered, which is to analyze and assess their problems. On
23

the output diagram, this is where the researchers produced the main idea of the study which

is to address the problems faced by the teachers and students in the primary level on

implementing modular distance learning in order to understand and create possible solutions.

Hypotheses of the Study

Problems are expected to occur in conducting new ideas or practices such as Modular

Distance Learning. However, in this study, these problems are needed to be addressed in

order to make some adjustments and develop intervention programs that will help to address

the identified problems. The solutions to these problems may come from the individuals who

are involve in it.

Definition of Terms

To familiarize the readers, the following terms are defined:

 Learning Delivery Modality (LDM). The channel or pathways which are provided for

academic and learning purposes.

 Modular Distance Learning (MDL). A form of distance learning that uses printed or

digital Self-Learning Modules constructed based on MELCS provided by Department

of Education.

 Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCS). It serves as the primary reference

for all schools, Regional Offices, and School Divisions in identifying and

implementing learning delivery approaches that are appropriate for the local context

and learner’s diversity.


24
25

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