Study-life satisfaction of poor to lower-middle-class senior high school students on the
modular distance learning method
A Practical Research Project
Submitted to
Molave Vocational Technical School
Molave, Zamboanga del Sur
Researchers:
Banaybanay, Lovely Joy S.
Godinez, Junrey S.
Martel, Jezel C.
Oliveros, Justine Ann T.
Pelayo, William Jr., M.
Saberon, John Mark B.
Mutia, Jupither P.
Research Adviser:
Claire Kate Alvarez
Chapter I
Introduction
Background of the Study
Maintaining a school-life balance is crucial to achieve productive academic
operation. Students frequently give priority to academics at the cost of personal
considerations, including relationships and exercise. This can lead to a diminution in
academic performance, as optimum academic functioning is critical for general health and
well-being. Some students study full-time while others have family and even work
responsibilities. With so much going on, making time for all the obligations in their lives
can be hard for students (Johns Hopkins Student Assistance Program, n.a)
Many countries have implemented lockdowns in attempt to curb the spread of
COVID-19 and increase citizens' protection. The world has lived with some sort of
lockdown and "social" (physical) distance. Governments around the world are now faced
with the task of lifting controls and lockdowns while juggling numerous health, social, and
economic issues (Han et al, 2020). The World Bank forecasts mark this the deepest
downturn since World War II, with the highest share of economies witnessing per capita
production decreases since 1870, with millions of people falling into unemployment and
poverty. According to the statement by UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore (2020),
“99 per cent of children and young people under 18 worldwide (2.34 billion) live in one of
the 186 countries with some form of movement restrictions in place due to COVID-19.
Sixty per cent of all children live in one of the 82 countries with a full (7%) or partial (53%)
lockdown – accounting for 1.4 billion young lives.”
More than 1.57 billion students (91%) have had their schooling delayed as a result
of nationwide school openings around the world. School closures have cut off access to
school-based nutrition programs, causing hunger rates to rise. An whole generation of
students' schooling and potential may be jeopardized (WHO, 2020). In addition, some
people find themselves unemployed. Millions of parents lost their jobs and their means of
revenue. They struggle to cover the cost of sending their children back to school,
especially those working in the informal sector (UNICEF, 2020). The COVID-19 pandemic
has generated major hardships for students enrolled in large, public research universities
from low-income, poor, and working-class backgrounds (Student Experience in the
Research University, 2020).
According to a survey conducted by the Department of Education, parents who
enrolled their children in the upcoming school year chose printed and digital modular
learning as the most preferred mode of teaching. This modality is currently used by all
public schools in the Philippines (Bernardo, 2020).
Traditional learning takes place in a classroom environment with a single instructor
and a group of students. Modular distance learning, however, provides individualized
teaching, which requires students to use self-learning modules (SLMs) in either print or
digital format/electronic copy, depending on their needs. Other tools, such as Learner's
Manuals, textbooks, activity sheets, study guides, and other study materials, are available
to Modular Distance Learning students. The instructors will provide assistance through
email, cell, text message/instant texting, and other methods. Parents or other family
members, on the other hand, may act as guides or para-teachers for their children at
home (Malaya, 2020).
This research paper examines the effects of modular distance learning on the
study-life satisfaction of poor to lower-middle class senior high school students.
Statement of the Problem
The aim of this study is to examine the effects of modular distance learning on the
study-life satisfaction of poor to lower-middle class senior high school students.
Specifically, it aims to answer the following questions:
1. What is the significant effect of modular distance learning method on the studylife balance satisfaction of students in terms of:
a. Schoolwork and projects;
b. Chores and work;
c. Leisure; and
d. Family time?
2. What is the significant effect of traditional learning method on the study-life balance
satisfaction of students in terms of:
a. Schoolwork and projects;
b. Chores and work;
c. Leisure; and
d. Family time?
3. Which method, modular distance learning or traditional learning, is more ____ to
the study-life balance of students in terms of:
a. Schoolwork and projects;
b. Chores and work;
c. Leisure; and
d. Family time?
Hypothesis
The following hypothesis shall be tested using 0.05 level of significance.
HO1: There is no significant difference between the distance learning method and
traditional learning method on the study-life balance satisfaction of students.
HO2: There is a significant difference between the distance learning method and
traditional learning method on the study-life balance satisfaction of students
Conceptual Framework
Independent Variable
Learning Method:


Traditional Learning
Modular Distance
Learning
Dependent Variable
Study-life satisfaction of poor to
lower-middle-class senior high
school students
Figure 1. Conceptual Framework of the study.
Significance of the Study
The results of the study will help us discover teaching techniques that will help
students achieve a good balance between their school activities and personal life. The
study will benefit the students, especially those who are from poor to lower-middle-class
background who have heavy work or family responsibilities outside of school.
No study are found that examines the study-life satisfaction of poor to lowermiddle-class senior high school students on modular distance learning in the Philippines.
The study will lead to more knowledge on this field.
Scope and delimitations
The respondents of the survey are senior high school students of Molave
Vocational Technical School, Molave, Zamboanga del Sur who are from poor (below
P10,957 monthly income), low-income but not poor (P10,957 to P21,914 monthly income),
and lower-middle class (P21,914 to P43,828 monthly income) background.
The study focused on the study-life satisfaction levels of students on the modular
distance learning method and the traditional learning method. The study does not include
other forms of distance learning except modular distance learning.
Definition of Terms
Modular Distance learning - is a form of distance learning that uses Self-Learning Modules
(SLM) based on the most essential learning competencies (MELCS) provided by
DepEd. The modules include sections on motivation and assessment that serve
as a complete guide of both teachers' and students' desired competencies.
Traditional Learning – education in which instruction takes place between an instructor
and students where all are physically present in the same classroom.