Dr. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State Colleges of Agriculture and Technology Cabitan, Mandaon, Masbate Buenasuerte Integrated School Grade 10 Learners’ Perceptions on Modular Distance Learning In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements in Educational Research Methods (Education 203) By: Junan N. Romero Presented to: Sherwin Balbuena Professor December 2020 First Semester CHAPTER 1 THE PROBLEM Introduction Education plays a vital role in all aspects of human lives. It provides essential skills, knowledge and values producing productive and globally competitive individuals. This inseparable relationship of teaching and learning has been present to human being since ancient times (Ali et.al, 2010). Educational system is based on the premise of “what to teach and how to teach” which identifies the learning materials to be used. In order to build a quality educational system, every society, culture, and nation should have a vast bases of knowledge, learning and expertise because a nation with quality and excellent educational system is considered as superior and dominant. (Johnson and Dalen, 1988). One of the recognized and most widespread teaching and learning deliveries used globally is modular approach (Sejpal, 2013). Module is defined as a unit of work in a course of instruction that are self-contained method of teaching and learning based on the building up of skills and knowledge in discrete units. All subjects can be taught in modules helping the learners to grow and develop at their own pace. Modules are essentially self-contained, self-instructional packages covering all elements of subject matter content or a group of content elements forming a discrete unit of subject matter or area of skill. With the declaration of COVID-19 pandemic altogether countries, governments resorted to the use of distance learning like online learning and modular approach. Within the Philippines, the Department of Education prohibited the conduct of face-to-face classroom setting to stop virus transmission instead the agency implemented distance learning specifically the utilization of modules as alternative means to succeed in learners in remote areas who do not have internet access so as to take care of the discussion with learners and giving them individual help The importance of learning is that it helps in developing many prominent and outstanding individuals, and in this present times, learners enjoy their years in which they are able to pursue their goals and satisfy their inquisitiveness. (Manlove and David, 1985). Statement of the Problem The research focuses on perceptions of Grade 10 learners of Buenasuerte Integrated School on Modular Distance Learning (MDL). This MDL is the chosen teaching and learning delivery of the parents and students of the said school based on their enrollment form. Specifically, it aims to answer the following questions: 1. How do Grade 10 learners demonstrate their support and/or resistance on the implementation of modular distance learning? 2. Do male and female learners vary in opinions regarding modular distance learning? Significance of the Study This study will determine the overall perceptions of learners on their chosen teaching and learning delivery which is modular. It will also know if the learners support and/or resist the implementation of MDL. Although the Department of Education laid out different teaching and learning approaches, Buenasuerte Integrated School is considered as a remote area where some places do not have access to internet and learners do not have smartphones suitable for online learning and other approaches. This resulted to the utilization of MDL where learners are given set of modules per week for eight subjects where they will answer activities and perform tasks. In connection with this, the school will know the ways on how to improve better the modules given to the students based on their responses. The government can also assess whether to further improve or make another better strategy in our educational system amidst this global pandemic to address holistically the needs of the learners. Scope and Delimitation The study aims to know the perceptions of Grade 10 learners of Buenasuerte Integrated School on the implementation of MDL and on how their perceptions vary. The study included 153 respondents who will answer survey questionnaires. Its main purpose is to know the opinions, feelings and beliefs of learners about MDL and how their perceptions vary. This study limits its coverage on the six sections of Grade 10 who are the subjects of this study. Meanwhile, this study excludes the impact of the MDL on learners’ academic achievement. It also rejects other learners of grade levels. Notes: Ali R, Rehman Ghazi S, Saeed Khan M, Hussain S, Tanzeela Faitma Z. Effectiveness of Modular Teaching in Biology at Secondary Level. Asian Social Science. Vol. 6, No. 9; September 2010 Retrieved from: www.ccsenet.org/ass. Manlove, D. C. and B. David. (1985). Flexible Scheduling. Longmans Green and Company, New York, USA. pp. 7-12. Sejpal K. Modular Method of Teaching. Haribapa Arts & Commerce College, Jasdan. Gujarat (India). Vol. 2, Issue:2, February 2013. Retrieved from www.raijmr.com. Chapter 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES This chapter discusses the related literature regarding the perceptions of grade 10 learners of Buenasuerte Integrated School on Modular Distance Learning, related studies about the present study, conceptual framework accompanied with conceptual paradigm, and the definition of terms. Related Literature Modules are considered as specific sort of learning resources. They need clearly defined, objectives, preferably in behavioral form (Daries,1981). Modules also defined as units of labor of an instruction that's virtually self-contained and methods of teaching supported the concept of build-up skills and knowledge in discrete units (Taneja, 1989). UNESCO (1988) mentioned modules as sets of learning opportunities defining the subject which contains the weather of instruction, specific objectives, teaching learning activities, and evaluation using criterion – referenced measures. This is consistent with Brown et al. (1977) saying that module has following possible advantages within the administration: (a)Users can study modules within their own environment. This suggests they will be used not only within teaching institutions but also on the work. (b)Users can study modules with minimum disruption to their normal duties and responsibilities. While this is applicable to both students and teachers and it's particularly true for teachers who can use modules as resources for workers development. (c)Modules could also be administered to one user, small groups or large groups consistent with need. (d)Modules programs are often easily revised and upgraded by replacing one module by another amending aspects of one module. (e)Module programs are flexible within the sense that they will be implemented through a spread of scheduling patterns. (f)Modules are economical to use. While initial costs of designed developments are high in order that they are ultimately cost effective. Though modules are primarily individualized but it are often developed to possess group experiences also. The mixing of modules in teaching and learning process has a lively role in solving major educational problems. It is for the rationale that these modules also promote effective learning with flexible pacing schemes which is additionally called as self-learning modules allowing the learners to figure at their own time and readiness. This is often highlighted by Loughran and Berry (2000) saying that individuals learnt more at their own pace, because telling is not teaching and listening is not learning but it is a process of first absorbing then expression of concepts, therefore it's best achieved by self - learning. The importance of learning is that it helps in developing many prominent and outstanding individuals and in this present times, learners enjoy their years in which they are able to pursue their goals and satisfy their inquisitiveness. (Manlove and David, 1985). Barnes et al. (2000) investigated that implementation of modular approach assisted in motivating the scholars and that they benefited more from this approach. Generally, modular learning group perform significantly better than the group taught by traditional method of teaching. This students’ motivation was connected with obtaining of short-term objectives and therefore the non-intense teaching approach resulting to positive changes in teaching style. This positive result traced in rural areas and in female schools. Before introduction of modular teaching at large scale in schools it is necessary to conduct in-service training of teachers alongside preparation of modular essentials instructional materials. Related Studies A study was conducted on nine polytechnics situated within the Eastern zone, the Southern zone, and East Malaysia. The themes of the study were language lecturers who were teaching English course in these polytechnics. It showed that 75 percent of the entire 113 respondents agree that modules are useful as resource book for both students and lecturers and really helpful in providing guidance and support for brand spanking new and inexperienced lecturers. (Cheng and Abu Bakar, 1990). An investigation was also conducted showing the operationalization of modular approach helped in motivating the scholars and that they benefited more from this approach (Barnes et al, 2000). The rise in motivation was connected to the short-term objectives and therefore the intensity of teaching approach promoting positive changes in teaching and learning styles. A study displayed that modular teaching has shown more effectivity level in Biology instruction as compared to traditional method of teaching. This is often why this modular teaching approach are often applied to other subjects also as other level of education improving the tutorial achievements of the scholars. Another study was conducted by Ambayon (2020) showing that the performance of the school students in literature in experimental group who used modules as an instruction had improved from poor to excellent achievement whereas the control group had relatively improved from poor to fair achievement. Oparina and Rakova (2018) presented the results of their research that modular teaching is effective in improving student’s knowledge and ready to enhance students’ understanding and important thinking. Conceptual Framework The focus of the study is on the perceptions of Grade 10 learners of Buenauserte Integrated School regarding Modular Distance Learning and how their perceptions vary. It is anchored on the various researches indicating that learners preferred more self-learning than traditional teaching approach. Learners say that modules are a good source of information and effective means of learning as well for the reason that they have their own time to learn, relearn and unlearn concepts. For the meantime, the researches appear to be more consistent in regards to the positive perceptions of learners on the implementation of modular distance learning as an alternative teaching and learning delivery for those who do not have internet access and gadgets. The response of the 153 Grade 10 learners will determine the overall opinion and insights on modular teaching approach by answering the researcher-made questionnaires. There has been widespread acknowledgement that self-learning modules are the effective means in rural areas due to lack of data connection and necessary devices and gadgets. The conceptual framework of this study is illustrated in Figure 1. Implementation of Modular Distance Learning Positive attitudes and perceptions of Grade 10 learners on Modular Distance Learning Conducive teaching and learning process Figure 1 Conceptual Paradigm Definition of Terms. This study contains terms and ideas that are unclear and unfamiliar. The subsequent are some key terms defined for better understanding of the content of this study. DepEd. Refers to Department of Education. the chief department of the Philippine government liable for ensuring access to, promoting equity in, and improving the standard of basic education. Module. Refers to a unit of labor during a course of instruction that is virtually self-contained and a way of teaching that is supported the build-up skills and knowledge in discrete units. Modular Teaching Approach. Refers to instruction dividing the curriculum into small discrete modules or units that are independent, nonsequential, and typically short in duration. Modular Distance Learning. Refers to the shape of distance learning that uses Self-Learning Modules (SLM) supported the foremost essential learning competencies provided by DepEd. The modules include sections on motivation and assessment that function an entire guide of both teachers’ and students’ desired competencies. Perception. Refers to the way of understanding and accepting on the items presented Notes: Ali, R., Ghazi, S. R., Khan, M. S., Hussain, S., & Faitma, Z. T. (2010). Effectiveness of modular teaching in biology at secondary level. Asian Social Science, 6(9), 49. Ambayon, E. E., & Millenes, C. (2020). Modular-based approach and students’ achievement in literature. Available at SSRN 3723644. Barnes, J., P. Mayer, R. Alfred and Hayman. (2000). Modularization of Curriculum at Secondary Level. Kogan Page, London, UK. pp. 67-98. Cheng C, Abu Bakar M. The Impact of Using Modules In The Teaching and Learning Of English in Malaysian Polytechnics: An Analysis Of The Views and Perceptions Of English Language Lecturers. Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia. Daries, I. (1981). Instructional Technology and Media. McGraw Hill Book Company New York, USA. p. 72. Government of Pakistan. (1988). 7th Five-Year Plan (1988-93) Planning Commission Islamabad, Pakistan. p. 508. Ibyatova, L., Oparina, K., & Rakova, E. (2018, May). MODULAR APPROACH TO TEACHING AND LEARNING ENGLISH GRAMMAR IN TECHNICAL UNIVERSITIES. In Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference. Volume I (Vol. 139, p. 148). Loughran, J. and Amanda, B. (2000). Improving Teacher Education Practice through Self Study. Routledge flamer 28 West 35th Street New York, USA. p. 28. Manlove, D. C. and B. David. (1985). Flexible Scheduling. Longmans Green and Company, New York, USA. pp. 7-12. Taneja, R. (1989). Dictionary of Education. Anmol Publication Murare New Dehli, India. p. 155. UNESCO. (1988). Developing Instructional Modules for Teacher Education. Regional Office for Education in Asia and Oceania Bangkok, Thailand. pp. 61-63. Chapter 3 RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY This chapter will present and discuss the design and methodology of the study inclusive of the discussion of the details of the sources of data, respondent of the study, data gathering procedure, instrumentation, and statistical treatment of the data. Research Design The study will use a blend of quantitative and qualitative research methods. The researcher will gather information through questionnaires that will be given to the Grade 10 learners of Buenasuerte Integrated School determining their perceptions on the utilization of modular distance learning. The questionnaires include the following information; (a.) do the respondents accept the use of modular distance learning (b.) do the respondents resist the use of modular distance learning (c.) learners’ beliefs and opinions on modularization. (d.) do male and female learners vary in opinions on the implementation of modular distance learning. Sources of Data The primary sources of data for this study are the one hundred fifty-three (153) grade 10 learners of Buenasuerte Integrated School. Respondent of the study The respondents of the research are the one hundred fifty-three (153) grade 10 learners of Buenasuerte Integrated School. The respondents are chosen regardless of age and gender classification. The researchers choose all grade 10 learners to be the subjects of the study to attain reliable and valid results. The researchers will conduct a survey questionnaire method. Data Gathering Procedure The researcher-made questionnaires will be given to the respondents from Buenasuerte Integrated School. The researcher will gather the data through questionnaires with ten (10) composed questions. The researchers will also conduct a random interview in order to get the additional opinions and perceptions on the students. Instrumentation The researchers-designed questionnaires are used to gather data needed for the study. It consists of ten questions to be accomplished by one hundred and fifty-three (153) grade 10 learners of Buenasuerte Integrated School. Every question has its choices that should be checked by the respondents. Whenever the answer of the respondent was not on the choices or it exceeds, the respondents will put their answers to the provided space. The questionnaire will help the researchers to determine the following; (a.) do the respondents accept the use of modular distance learning (b.) do the respondents resist the use of modular distance learning (c.) learners’ beliefs and opinions on modularization. (d.) do male and female learners vary in opinions on the implementation of modular distance learning. Statistical Treatment The responses to the questionnaires by grade 10 learners will be statistically analyzed with the data requirements of the study. Students’ data will be statistically analyzed with the chosen data instruments of the study. Descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, mean, percent and rank are considered. To prove the reliability and validity of the data gathered and to determine the relationships between learners’ sex and overall perceptions, the researcher will use Spearman rho correlation.