MODULE IN THE NEW NORMAL

Educators are constantly looking for the best techniques that would produce effective teaching and at the same time make learning more appealing and functional to the students. They have to acquire practical knowledge and abilities about class instruction. Moreover, they must utilize instructional facilities to provide better learning experiences among students.

One device to help students in their Science learning amidst Covid-19 Pandemic are Modules. Modules can improve access and promote equity in education by providing educational opportunities to a greater number of people of all ages, including the traditionally unserved or underserved. Likewise, it can enhance the quality of teaching and learning by providing access to a great variety of educational resources and by enabling participatory pedagogies.

In the new normal education setting, the classroom is our homes and the learning space wherein the teaching-learning processes are exchanged are the learning delivery modalities that provide safe methods wherein education can still foster and succeed. Education, being a necessity for Filipinos, will find its space even in the midst of a persistent pandemic.

Distance Learning refers to a learning delivery modalities where learning takes place between the teacher and the learners who are geographically remote from each other during instruction. This modality has three types: Modular Distance Learning (MDL), Online Distance Learning (ODL), and TV/Radio-Based Instruction. Modular Distance Learning is an individualized asynchronous instruction that allows learners to study and learn through 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 textbooks, activity sheets, compendium of notes, E-books and other study materials. The teacher, same as in normal times and in traditional manner, has to monitor, assess, and assist the learners and may visit the homes of the learners if possible and safe. Parents and other capable individuals or family members of the learner may assist the learner while studying the modules. Distance Learning is most effective for independent learners and those that have the opportunity to be assisted or supervised by a knowledgeable adult at home.

Modular distance learning modalities, modular teaching is one of the most widespread and recognized teaching learning techniques in the new normal education. It considers the individual differences among the learners which necessitate the planning for adoption of the most appropriate teaching techniques in order to help the individual grow and develop at her/his own pace. A module is a unit of work in a course of instruction that is self-contained and a method of teaching that is based on the building up of skills and knowledge in discrete units. A module can be in paper or print (hardcopy) or non-print (softcopy/electronic) but generally, its components and characteristics are the same. Modular approach is the most universal and familiar among all the approaches of distance learning. The print form of module has been used for a very long time and it can be utilized by learners with or without internet connection, gadgets, computers, television, radio, or skills in using these technologies. It is a pen and paper approach in the new normal education setting.

author is Teacher

--oOo-The

III at Aranguren Integrated School, High School Department DepEd Tarlac Province