Utilizing radio-based instructions

The author is Teacher Corazon S. Caliliung

For the longest time, the majority of the students in the Philippines have been immersed through the traditional sense of learning. Students were expected to sit in a classroom, while a teacher would discuss in front. This was the normal set-up of education in the Philippines. However, it all changed when a worldwide pandemic, caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, invaded the scene. Nowadays, alternative learning systems, which were once just an option for the learner, have become one of the primary systems used in the new normal.

Amongst multiple types of alternative learning systems (ALS), or also known as corresponding learning systems that act as practical options to the subsisting formal education, is radio-based instruction. Having the nature as a substitute to formal education in schools, radio-based instruction or RBI is an alternative learning delivery medium utilizing radio broadcast. With RBI, learners are inclined to rely on their auditory skills to keep up as the interactive audio is scripted, with the learning modules converted into radio scripts and constructed towards public broadcast, and the teacher guides them through the lessons.

Despite being one of the most promising ALS in the country, having garnered national attention as it has been promoted by the authorities, radiobased instruction comes with its challenges. The limitation of radio, according to studies, is in the absence of interaction. The teacher’s feedback is commonly unavailable as lessons are scripted. Learners are also unable to interrupt the instruction as necessary. The momentum of the lesson is set as well, resulting to note taking being difficult and time for reflection being minimal.

However, one should not be stagnant in times of difficulties. To overcome the aforementioned setbacks, supporting materials, preparation, and remedial exercises are recommended. Fundamentally, one effective remedy is a shift towards interactive audio instruction or IAI. Interactive audio instruction is a distance learning system that integrates radio broadcasts with learning that is active. This is to elevate the teaching methods and quality of education. The effectiveness of IAI has been proven as it has been operated for more than 25 years at a low cost and a large scale. On top of such, interactive audio instruction requires instructors and learners to respond physically and verbally to exercise and questions initiated by radio personnels.

As the education sector in the Philippines is novice in the utilization of radio-based instructions and as the majority’s attention is focused more towards other modalities, the country is yet to solidify specified difficulties with radio-based instructions. Even so, today is the most optimal time to prevent barriers to learners’education if such the medium is to be continually promoted. Let us start today for a better tomorrow.

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The author is Teacher III -- Cutcut II Elem. School