Dilemma of Modular Learning System
Annabella S. David
In particular, ACT cited concerns of teachers in the National Capital Region (NCR) and some provinces in Region IV-A (Calabarzon) – which are currently placed under the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ). Based on DepEd’s latest enrollment data, these two regions have the highest number of enrollees for School Year (SY) 2020-2021 out of the 17 regions. Based on the reports it has received, the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Philippines said that teachers are raising a “several issues” with the modular learning preparations which is being aggravated by the present health crisis. Modular learning, based on the survey conducted by DepEd on school opening, is the most preferred learning delivery of parents for their children this SY. Under the modular learning, materials can be printed or in digitized form. Teachers expressed disappointment that while they have been tasked to make the activity sheets that will come with the modules, “they have not seen until today the copies of these modules, forcing them to just base the activity sheets on last year’s lessons.”have no choice but to make do with what they have or else students will have no materials to use.“reproduction cost is also a big problem as schools were forced to find ways to raise funds in so short a time.” With the schools’ Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) almost depleted.
“Many reported that LGUs helped save them from the problems. ACT also alleged that some teachers are even being made to report to school as late as 11:00 pm as their school or division implements a shifting schedule for teachers in order to finish the printing on time. While others reported a “one grade level per day” scheme in printing, collating, and organizing of learning packets where all the teachers for a particular year level will report on their assigned day of the week.
Considering the imposition of MECQ in NCR and nearby provinces and the worsening health crisis preventing safe movement of teachers and staff, DepEd’s module preparation will further lag behind,” “While we anticipate that teachers will again be unjustly made to make up for lost time and limited options, there won’t be enough room to ready the modules.
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The author is Teacher III at Pampanga High School, Division of City of San
Fernando, (P)