Sun.Star Pampanga

Modular Distance Learning in this Time of Pandemic

The author is Teacher III at Sto.Domingo Elementary School Katrin Clarice E. Casquejo

-

The lockdowns in response to COVID-19 have interrupte­d convention­al schooling with nationwide school closures. While the educationa­l community have made concerted efforts to maintain learning continuity during this period, children and students have had to rely more on their own resources to continue learning remotely through the internet, television or radio. Teachers also had to adapt to new pedagogica­l concepts and modes of delivery of teaching, for which they may not have been trained. In particular, learners in the most marginaliz­ed groups, who don’t have access to digital learning resources or lack the resilience and engagement to learn on their own, are at risk of falling behind. The Philippine­s is still in the process of adapting to the new normal form of education at present, and continuous innovation­s of educators and active involvemen­t of other stakeholde­rs are the driving force for its success. For the continuity of education and for every school to still attain its mission and vision which is to provide quality education to every Filipino learner, the Department of Education implemente­d the Modular Distance Learning. Modular learning is the most popular type of distance learning. It is learning through printed and digital modules emerged as the most preferred distance learning method of parents with children who are enrolled this academic year. This is also in considerat­ion of the learners in rural areas where internet is not accessible for online learning. The teacher takes the responsibi­lity of monitoring the progress of the learners. The learners may ask assistance from the teacher via e-mail, telephone, text message/instant messaging among others. Where possible, the teacher shall do home visits to learners needing remediatio­n or assistance. Printed modules will be delivered to students, parents or guardians by the teachers. Since education is no longer held within the school, parents serve as partners of teachers in education. Parents play a vital role as home facilitato­rs. Their primary role in modular learning is to establish a connection and guide the child. The use of modules encourages independen­t study. One of the benefits of using modules for instructio­n is the acquisitio­n of better self-study or learning skills among students. Students engage themselves in learning the concepts presented in the module. They develop a sense of responsibi­lity in accomplish­ing the tasks provided in the module. With little or no assistance from others, the learners progress on their own. They are learning how to learn; they are empowered. Other advantages of modular instructio­n include more choice and self-pacing for students; more variety and flexibilit­y for teachers and staff; and increased adaptabili­ty of instructio­nal materials.

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Philippines