“The Effects of a Modular Approach on Academic Performance

of Education Students in Sarmiento Campus”

CHAPTER I

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

INTRODUCTION

Philippines had been continuously undergoing changes in its educational system before it

finally reached its present state. The existence of COVID-19 pandemic brought extraordinary

challenges to the educational system of the Philippines as school and universities are closed

globally. It has had a serious profound impact on students, teachers and education organization

around the globe (Mailizar, Almanthari, Maulina, and Bruce, 2020). In response and ensure the

continuity of quality learning while assuring the learners' health, safety, and well-being, as well

as the teachers', are the top priorities, The Department of Education (DepEd) instituted DepEd

Order no.12 series of 2020 to establish new learning delivery modalities in all levels for the

academic year 2020-2021. Based on the result of Learning Enrollment Survey Form (LESF)

conducted by DepEd on school opening, alternative modular learning approach, a form of

distance learning that uses Self-Learning modules (SLM) is the most preferred learning system

of the majority of parents /Guardians for their Children.

Modular distance learning is the alternative learning modality also known as

correspondence to individualized instruction that allows learners to use Self-Learning Modules

(SLMs) in printed or digital format considering their prefer way of acquiring lessons. It is the

backbone of Department of Education’s distance learning program as access to technology

remains a problem for most Filipino students.

 It is obviously given that modular approach has huge effect on the academic performance

of students, reason why this study must further in order for the teachers and education sector

understand and solve the common problems influence students to utilize modular approach of

learning.

In line with the statement above, the research is conducted to determine the obstacles and

status of modular learning, as well as its effect on learners’ academic achievement at the

Sarmiento Campus of Bulacan State University. The quality of a student's experience in the

classroom is determined by how well the teaching style corresponds to their personal learning

style and study materials. Virtual systems have the same problems, and a diverse set of materials

is required to cater to all learning styles. Hence, the Department of Education (DepEd) caters to

the requirements and talents of each student that emphasized self-study modules as the primary

learning tool for all of them, which can be supplemented with other modes of learning delivery

available to them. To adjust self-study materials to the needs of learners, they must use a variety

of ways and channels of communication.

Statement of the Problem

This Study aimed to determine how Modular Approach Affects the Academic Performance of

Education Students in Sarmiento Campus.

Specifically, the study sought to answer the following questions:

1. What is the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of;

1.1 Age;

1.2 Gender;

1.3 Year; and

 1.4 Section

2. Which factors may influence student’s decision to utilize a modular approach?

2.1 Choice

2.2 Economic Status

2.3 Access

3. What are the effects of a modular approach on a student’s learning process?

4. How do these affect their academic performance?

5. What recommendations can be made in order to address this concern?

Research Questions

The main purpose of this study was to give answers to the following questions:

1. What is the effect of modular distance learning approach to academic performance as

perceived by the Education Students at Bulacan State University-Sarmiento Campus?

2. What are the challenges of the students towards modular learning distance learning

approach?

3. Is there a relationship of students’ economic status regarding modular distance learning

approach to their academic performance?

4. Is there a relationship between students’ economic status regarding modular distance

learning approach in affecting their willingness to adapt to the new learning system?

Hypotheses of the Study

 The following hypotheses will be raised in this study and will be tested at .05 level of

significance.

H1. Economic status has a positive effect on students’ academic performance regarding modular

distance learning approach.

H2. There is a significant relationship between students’ economic status regarding modular

distance learning approach in affecting their willingness to adapt to the new learning system.