Modular-based instruction in the new normal teacher’s nook

WE’VE seen varied responses from educational institutions to the current pandemic. In the new context, the Department of Education has shifted from the typical face-to-face to distance learning. Teachers have now begun to navigate different instructional pedagogies to reach out to learners.

In the Schools Division of Baguio City, almost all elementary and secondary schools will be using a modular approach. This is based on the collated result of the Learner Enrollment and Survey Form (LESF) which was the main enrollment tool for the remote enrollment for the school year 2020 to 2021. The tool is an expanded version of the regular enrolment form which captures not only the basic profile of learners but also relevant survey questions for parents designed to profile the household in terms of their readiness for distance learning.

Modular-based instruction is learning in the form of individualized instruction that allows learners to use self-learning modules (SLMs) in print or digital format/electronic copy, whichever is applicable in the context of the learner and other learning resources like Learner’s Materials, textbooks, activity sheets, study guides, and other study materials.

In a study made by Ibyatova, Oparina & Rakova ( 2018), results showed that the module approach in teaching is effective for improving students’ knowledge. The research maintains that the module approach enhances students’ understanding and critical thinking. The key point of the module approach is that students learn the module to a greater extent on their own. Educators are involved only in organizing, advising, and monitoring students’ progress. It is the emphasis on a significant proportion of independent work that makes the modular approach optimal in distance learning.

Several strong points of the module approach have been highlighted in various researches.

One that caught me was that of French (2015) which states that a modular approach to teaching enables the learner to have control over his learning and accepts greater responsibility for learning.

As remote teaching and learning become more common—if not the standard in many places over the months, teachers should not miss the opportunity to reinforce connections. Don’t forget that our current learning scenario all the more necessitates teachers to bridge the distance not by violating physical distancing regulations, but by ensuring communication, support, feedback, and monitoring are present to propel learners at their best.

The now very popular class group chat is will prove beneficial. Connect individually through messaging or individual “rooms.” This helps build relationships with students–helping them to see that they’re not simply fulfilling their academic duty but rather connecting with people who care around content designed to (hopefully) make their life better. Pamela Estigoy