The Use of Internet to Overcome the Difficulties of Self- learning in

General Mathematics Module Based by a Grade 11 STEM Student of

Dadiangas North High School

QUALITATIVE ACTION RESEARCH

As Partial Requirement in Practical Research 1

Modular Program

Arielle O. Sabado

S.Y. 2020- 2021

 CHAPTER 1

The Problem and Its Background

Introduction

Nowadays, we all are staying in our homes due to the lockdown policy
implemented by the government. The fight against the threats to COVID-19
pandemic suffered profound effect and impacts on almost all sectors in the
human race. These have resulted in the widespread disruption such as travel
restrictions (Chinazzi et al., 2020), closure of schools (Viner et al.,2020),
global economic recession (Fernandes, 2020), political conflicts (Barrios &
Hochberg, 2020), racism (Habibi et al., 2020), misinformation and
controversies (Enitan et al., 2020). The impact of closed schools and children
stuck at home with no access to learning has been devastating for schools,
students, and parents. Experts estimate that a full year of learning could be
lost, implying that an entire cohort of students may be permanently behind in
their learning. However, learning should not halt. Most countries around the
world have temporarily closed educational institutions to contain the spread of
the virus and reduce infections (Tria, 2020). Face to face engagement of
student and teachers within the school has also been suspended.

The Philippines is currently in the process of adapting to the new

normal form of education, educators' continuous innovations as well as the
active participation of other stakeholders, are the driving forces behind its
success. The Department of Education implemented Modular Distance
Learning to ensure 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. Distance Learning refers to a learning delivery modality,
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 (Quinones, 2020). Modular learning is
the most popular type of Distance Learning. In the Philippines, this learning
modality is currently used by all public schools because according to a survey
conducted by the Department of Education (DepEd), 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.

Dadiangas North High School (DNHS) is a public secondary school in

General Santos City, South Cotabato. The school was established in 2009
that aims to provide quality, fair, culture-based and complete basic education
to the students and these are done also with the help of technology.

In the K-12 Curriculum, Mathematics has been restricted to be more

meaningful and useful to students as well as teachers because the subjects
offered are well-prepared and relevant to suit the ability level of students and
to the present demands of society (DepED, 2012). Access to the Internet is
fundamental to achieving this vision for the future. It can improve the quality of
education in many ways. Interactive teaching methods, supported by the
Internet, enable teachers to give more attention to individual students’ needs
and support shared learning. ( Souter, 2017).

In addition, both will adopt numerous learning delivery options such as

but not limited to face-to-face, blended learnings, distance learnings, and
home-schooling and other modes of delivery (CHED, 2020; DepEd, 2020).
However, the implementation would pose such problems on students who
have limited internet access, no gadgets and the poor. According to the report
of Akamai (2017), the Philippines has the lowest internet connectivity in Asia.
Besides, such challenges would be equity gaps, students security and safety,
quality of learning compromised and poor assessment results (Winthrop,
2020).

Teacher competencies in both pedagogy and technology should be

reinforced. This transition to the new normal, from the four corners of the
classroom to the borders of virtual reality, every learning institution needs to
study how successful online learning is in providing quality education and
outcomes-based education to students (Basilaia & Kvavadze, 2020). We need
to live to the new normal; if not contained, we need to live with the disease as
viruses are constantly evolving (Denworth, 2020). However, scientists are still
on their way in studying and developing vaccines and presently in clinical
trials (Cortegiani et al., 2020; Dong et al., 2020; Gautret et al., 2020).

Statement of the Problem

This research aimed to determine the use of internet to overcome the
difficulties of self- learning in General Mathematics module based by a Grade
11 STEM student of Dadiangas North High School.
Specifically, this research attempts to answer the following questions:
1. What are the challenges of self- learning in General Mathematics
module based encountered by a Grade 11 STEM student of Dadiangas
North High School?
2. How the student resolves the difficulties of self- learning in General
Mathematics module based?
3. What are the recommendations of the student to overcome the
difficulties of self- learning in General Mathematics module based?
 CHAPTER 2
INTERVENTION PLAN

The COVID-19 pandemic has produced significant changes in education

and the learning environment in the midst of the pandemic would be
drastically different. Thus, access to the internet is essential to achieve this
vision for the future. It can improve the quality of education in many ways. The
use of the Internet beyond the time will not be a hint of academic success.
Therefore, the researcher conducted this study to determine the use of
internet to develop concepts which help to understand a social phenomena.
This study is planned to formulate solutions to the existing problems of self-
learning in General Mathematics module based encountered by grade 11
STEM student of Dadiangas North High School.
 CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

This chapter shows the design of the conducted study along with the
different procedures which mainly focus on gathering or collecting data from a
sample coming off from the research tools that the researchers will be going
to use.

Research Design

The researcher used a qualitative design. Qualitative research design is a

scientific method of observation to gather non- numerical data (Pastor,2020).
This design is used to identify phenomena and focus on subjective
experiences along with understanding the structure of those lived
experiences. By the use of qualitative research design, the researcher can
elaborate a certain phenomena. Furthermore, the research can be more
comprehensive since the data will be more associated with words and
situation. Considering, this method promotes a deep, holistic understanding of
a particular phenomenon.

Participants of the Study

The respondent of this study is 1 purposively selected grade 11 student

under the strand of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
(STEM) of Dadiangas North High School during the academic year of 2020-
2021. The researcher took into the consideration of the opinion of a grade 11
STEM student because he/she have a vast experiences of facing the
difficulties of self- learning in General Mathematics module- based.

Locale of the Study

The research was conducted in Dadiangas North High School during the
academic year 2020- 2021. It is located in Santol St., Brgy. Dadiangas North,
GSC.
 Dadiangas North High School (DNHS) is a public secondary school in
General Santos City, South Cotabato. The school was established in 2009
that aims to provide quality, fair, culture- based and complete basic education
to thd students and these are done also with the help of technology.

Sampling Technique

The researcher used a Purposive Sampling in which the researcher relies

on its own judgment when choosing members of the population to participate
because they fit a particular profile. The main goal of purposive sampling is to
focus on particular characteristics of a population that are of interest, which
will best enable you to answer your research questions (Patton, 2002).
Purposive sampling also known as  judgment, selective or subjective
sampling is a sampling technique in which researcher relies on his or her own
judgment when choosing members of population to participate in the study
(Black, 2010). This sampling method requires the researcher to have a prior
knowledge about the purpose of the study so that the researcher can properly
choose and approach eligible participants.

Data Gathering Methods

In research methods, collection of data is included which can be

interpreted or analyzed to answer hypothesis. The researcher used an
interview for an analysis of procedures in collecting data. Boyce, C. & Neale,
P. (2006) defined interview as a qualitative research technique which involves
“conducting intensive individual interviews with a small number of
respondents to explore their perspectives on a particular idea, program or
situation.”

The researcher used the Structured format of interview which consist of a

series of pre- determined questions that the interviewee answers in the same
order. Data analysis usually tends to be more straightforward since the
purposively selected respondent is only 1. Hence, it is easier to analyze the
gathered information.
Data Gathering Procedure

Before the researcher gathered data and information from the selected
grade 11 STEM student, a letter of consent was constructed thoroughly and
given as permission to the respondent. After having found that the research
instrument was valid and reliable, the researcher preceded and asks
permission together with approval to the Practical Research 1 teacher, Ma'am
Jeane Evangelista to conduct an interview to the grade 11 STEM student of
Dadiangas North High School. After permitted, the researcher proceeded to
interview the respondent. After the interview, the researcher will record,
analyze, summarize and study the data gathered.

Ethical Considerations

In conducting the research, there are certain ethical principles that a

researcher possesses to ensure important moral and social values. It is
imperative that ethical issues are considered in conducting an interview. It is
proper to ask permission about the conduct of an interview. Thus, the
researcher send a letter of consent to the interviewee. This will prepare
him/her ahead of time of the possible answers to questions.

The selected participant is fully informed about the interview being

conducted. The participant is aware of the purpose of the study, how the
findings will be used, any potential adverse impacts of his/her participation
and who will have access to the findings. The main goal of informed consent
is for the participant to be able to make an informed decision about whether or
not to participate in the interview. Additional information should also be
provided in the event that the participant becomes distressed in any way
during his/her participation. Harm can be both physical and psychological.
Therefore, it can be in the form of stress, anxiety, decreases self- esteem and
an invasion of privacy. Hence, the interview process does not harm the
participant in any way unintended or otherwise. Any identifying information is
not made available or accessed by anyone as the researcher discloses
sensitive and personal information to protect the identity of the participant. It is
imperative to consider how the findings are worded to ensure that there is no
opportunity for the participant to be identified even though names are not
used.
 CHAPTER 4

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

This chapter presents the results, discussion and the insights that the
researcher have gathered through the process of conducting an interview.
The data qualitative gathered became the bases of knowing the use of
internet and difficulties of self- learning in General Mathematics module based
by a grade 11 STEM student of Dadiangas North High School.

Results

1. What are the challenges of self- learning in General Mathematics

module based encountered by a Grade 11 STEM student of Dadiangas
North High School?
The following are the three themes which were identified to answer the
first research questions:

Theme 1: The learning activities of General Mathematics subject are

laborious.
From the data gathered, it showed that the respondent is having a hard
time answering in math problems, computation and solving since the detailed
explanation isn’t provided in the modules.
With these thoughts, the respondent said,” Minsan ‘pag nahihirapan
akong mag- answer sa isang problem, natatagalan ako at umaabot ako ng
madaling araw. Minsan din sa sobrang tagal ko maka- answer, di ko na ma-
manage ang time ko sa ibang mga subjects pa.”

Theme 2: Slow network performance

From the data gathered, it showed that the respondent had an

unpleasant experienced of insufficient bandwidth due to lack of service or
network infrastructure which is very time- consuming in answering General
Mathematics subject.
 The respondent stated,” Minsan may times na kapag nag- aanswer ako
ay mahina ang signal kaya natatagalan ako or kaya minsan iniiskip ko nalang
muna.”

Theme 3: Lack of money for mobile load

From the data gathered, it showed that the respondent had difficulties in
terms of money for mobile load in order to answer his/ her modules in General
Mathematics subject.
The respondent answered,” Minsan ‘pag wala akong load, hindi na ako
nakakapag- answer dahil mahirap kapag walang load. Hindi ka makaka-
search. Hindi ka rin makanood ng mga tutorials sa YouTube.”

2. How the student resolves the difficulties of self- learning in General

Mathematics module based?
There are three themes identified to answer the second research questions
which are the following:

Theme 1: Self- discipline exercise can develop high sense of self-

efficacy.
A student with a strong sense of efficacy are more likely to take on
difficult tasks and to be intrinsically motivated. Self-efficacious students also
recover quickly from setbacks and ultimately likely to achieve their personal
goals regardless of emerging obstacles such as problems, laziness and bad
emotional state which can be developed with the help of self- discipline
exercise.
The respondent resolves the difficulties of self- learning in General
Mathematics module based as he/she stated,” Sa pamamagitan ng
pagdisiplina sa sarili gaya ng hindi pag- answer ng module sa gabi dahil sa
kadalasan natatagalan ako at napupuyat sa pag answer. Nagigising naman
ako ng maaga. Pagiging inspired at determinado na matapos ang mga
takdang- aralin dahil alam ko sa sarili kong kaya ko kahit minsan ay
nakakatamad na.”
Theme 2: Ameliorate internet speed.
This is the main challenge encountered by most students in modular
learning. Insufficient bandwidth is an interruption that consumes time of
studying. Thus, having a trustworthy internet connection will help you get
through the demands of day-to-day. A better surfing prepaid promos will
ensure that your internet connection can provide you with what you need and
more.
The respondent said,” Ako ay nagpapaload ng mas mataas na halaga
para may mas mahabang oras pa ako sa pag- sasagot at kung maubusan
naman ay gagawa ako ng paraan para makaload upang masagutan ko ang
GenMath modules ko.”

Theme 3: Perceived value of the General Mathematics subject.

Students’ perceptions of the value of their studies also influence their
motivation to persist (Tinto, 2016). Studying a subject that you love will help
you to demonstrate your abilities. It will push you to do better and an
advantage to excel in a subject that you enjoy. Your life will be better if you
study something you enjoy since you will be able to express your passion
through your work which will motivate you to give your best effort.
The respondent said,” Dati palang mahilig na ako dito at di ko
hahayaang dahil lang sa pandemya ay mawawala na ang desire ko sa pag
aaral ng Mathematics. Kaya mas pinag- igihan ko pa lalo, kaysa sa hayaang
maghirap ang aking sarili.” He/She also added,” Dahil sa pandemya, nag-
eexpect ako na mahirap ito sagutan dahil walang magtuturo sa akin pero
dahil sa kinahiligan ko ito ay nanonood ako ng mga video tutorials upang may
maisagot ako at nakasurvive naman ako.”

3. What are the recommendations of the student to overcome the

difficulties of self- learning in General Mathematics module based?
There are three themes identified to answer the third research questions
which are the following:
Theme 1: Practice resilience in the face of struggles.
Success at a specific tasks can boost self-confidence and likelihood of
success at other tasks. In other words, small changes can eventually lead to
big wins. A resilient student sees the difficult situations as a challenge rather
than a paralyzing event. He/She views his/her failures and mistakes as a
lesson to be learned and opportunities for growth. He/she does not see them
as a reflection of his/her abilities or self-worth.
The respondent said,”Kinakailangang pag- aralan ng mabuti itong
subject na General Mathematics. Kaya kung nahihirapan sa mga lessons ay
maaaring manood ng mga video tutorials o gumawa ng paraan upang
malagpasan agad ang mga pagsubok.”

Theme 2: Possess a strong access to the internet.

Having a strong internet access is very beneficial for students' learning
in answering General Mathematics modules by doing research, watching and
reading General Mathematics lectures on the internet. The use of
technologies improve learning by providing educational benefits independent
of the individuals who use them for specific purposes.
The respondent said,” Siguraduhin na may access kayo sa internet kasi
kahit naman na sa modular learning ako ay kailangan ko pa din ng internet
dahil hindi sapat ang mga impormasyon na nasa modules lalong lalo na
walang nagtuturo sa akin sa General Mathematics.”

Theme 3: Boost bandwidth performance.

Internet connection speed is an all-important factor for smartphone
users today especially for the new basic education. A better mobile load data
can help provide a significant increase in bandwidth performance. Also, being
able to surf the internet without interruptions in answering the learning
activities of General Mathematics subject.
The respondent stated,” Malakas na data connection para mabilis
maka- answer nang hindi masayang ang oras. Makakapanood ka ng mga
General Mathematics lesson kasabay ng video tutorials sa YouTube,
makasearch sa Google nang mabilisan at para makapasa ka pa ng
answersheets on time.”
 CHAPTER 5

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter is commonly composed of the inclusive summary of findings

of the research study. This appropriately answer the specific questions raised
at the beginning of the investigation in the order that they are given under the
statement of the problem.
After crafting the research conclusion, Recommendations will be the last
part of this chapter. This section is where the researcher gives suggestions on
the matters relative to research topic that must be improved.

CONCLUSIONS

1. The gathered data showed the common challenges of self- learning in

General Mathematics module based encountered by a grade 11 STEM
student which are the following; (1) The student is having a hard time
answering learning activities in General Mathematics which requires a
considerable time and effort since a detailed explanation isn’t provided in
the modules; (2) The student had an unpleasant experienced of slow
network performance due to lack of service or network infrastructure; (3)
Lack of money for mobile load is difficult to the student in times of studying
or answering his/ her modules in General Mathematics subject. The great
number of activities in each module is one of the main problems that
emerged in the implementation of Modular Distance Learning. Also, poor
internet connection is not a surprise in the country, Philippines.

2. The student cope up with the challenges she/he encountered by self-

discipline exercise, recognizing the value of the General Mathematics
subject as well as the use of internet such as enhancing internet speed. It
help the student to find any information he/she want and learn something
new from internet in order to answer the learning activities of General
Mathematics subject.
3. The following are the recommendations of the student to overcome the
difficulties of self- learning in General Mathematics that were gathered: (1)
Practicing resilience in the face of struggles wherein accomplished tasks
can boost self-confidence and likelihood of success at other tasks; (2)
Having a strong internet access is very beneficial for students' learning in
answering General Mathematics modules by doing research, watching
tutorials and lectures; (3) A better mobile load data provides a significant
increase in bandwidth performance as well as academic performance. The
student was able to answer his/her General Mathematics subject without
any interruptions because of the improvement in internet connection.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. We are all aware that mistakes cannot always be avoided. As a result,

teachers should re-evaluate the modules and ensure that all lessons or
activities are appropriate to the needs of the students.

2. The respondent stated that he/she doesn’t have sufficient money to pay
for mobile load in order to answer his/her General Mathematics modules.
The IATF-TWG report “We Recover as One” suggests subsidized load for
students and faculty. Alternatively, the government could make it easier for
households to access online educational resources by collaborating with
telecommunications companies to “zero rate” educational websites. A
website with a “zero rating” is the one that internet users can visit without
incurring data charges. DepEd has already zero-rated the DepEd
commons site but it should also consider other sites such as Google
Classroom or selected educational websites.

3. Increase cell sites to speed up internet connection which is essential to

support the conduct of Modular Distance Learning at all levels of education
while the country continues to deal with the ill effects of the COVID-19
pandemic. By this, the Philippines will have a strong and reliable internet
connection amid complaints that one of the major barriers to the effective
conduct of new basic education is the poor internet connection in the
country.
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