Overcoming Challenges During Pandemic: Analysis of the Predicaments on

Handling Modules Faced by Senior High School Teachers of SPCIHS

Researchers: Ciolo, Kashmere Einjelie Nicholine V., Dalisay, Richard M.
Dianay, Rachel B., Mendoza, Venicia Marie G., Reyes, Jamie V.

Abstract

A teacher is someone who assists the students in gaining information, skills, and

virtues. Since the pandemic came, everything has changed specifically in their work. The

primary purpose of this paper is to show each individual that not only one person is

affected. As people living normally, we already know each other’s feelings and

perspectives, but with the help of this study, we will realize the problems of teachers. In

continuation, this paper aimed to determine the predicaments faced by the teachers of San

Pablo City Integrated High School and how they handled them. The researchers created

questions that could be a way to answer the developing thoughts in the minds of the

researchers. These questions mainly focused on the impact of the pandemic on their

personal lives as well as on the handling of the innovative learning situation. This paper

will focus on how their work as a teacher has been affected. Researchers aim to interpret

the current situation of the teachers as they are also recognized as one the leaders or

front-liners amid this pandemic.

The researchers used the basic method of research design, a case study qualitative

type of research that uses subjective judgments to evaluate a school’s value or prospect

based on non-quantifiable information. To properly run the statement of the problem, the
researchers used self-made, interview questionnaires to gather the most necessary

information from the respondents. As a continuation, the conduct of the interview was

implemented by validating it with a professional teacher. The researchers carefully

analyzed the personal identities of the respondents to smooth the flow of the survey

conducted.

After the interview, the researchers concluded that most of the respondents had

difficulty adapting to the adjustments brought by the new normal. It implies that many

changes had taken place in their work. As their major observation, it has become clear to

them the increasingly current situation experienced by the teachers as to how they handle

the modules and their ways to keep their minds positive. They concluded that this

pandemic brought a lot of changes. But despite that, they never thought of quitting their

profession. Based on the results of this study, the current learning style has become more

challenging than before. On the flip side, these predicaments are not recognized by the

teachers as a problem, they make it as a motivation or even others make it a challenge for

themselves. It is the researchers’ pleasure to recommend giving teachers adequate respect

and appreciation around the country for their dedication and effort; as well as focusing on

the researchers that have importance to developing the teaching methods.

 INTRODUCTION

Dangle and Sumaoang say that, as a result of the pandemic, Modular Distance

Learning (MDL) has been implemented as an immediate reaction to ensure educational

continuity. Distance Learning is a type of learning in which the teacher and the students

are separated during teaching but still the teachers are in charge of keeping track of the

students’ progress.

Covid-19, a novel coronavirus first appeared in December 2019, in Wuhan,

China. And within a few months, it had developed into a global emergency. It has quickly

touched many individuals who are dying as a result of the disease's spread. It has also

caused considerable disruption including school closures. For the continuity of education

for every Filipino, the Department of Education implemented Distance Learning and one

of those is Modular Distance Learning. It has been believed that in this way, education

can somehow be continued. But on the other hand, today’s modern method also has many

effects on students, especially on teachers.

In the first place, managing the students’ modules because of multiple processes.

Due to incompetence, in this way, their work is not speeded up causing a lack of time.

Teachers also serve as one of the front lines because of the role they have to carry out.

Their actions continue amid the pandemic. Having simultaneous activities becomes a

major barrier because people can’t get rid of the tiredness they feel. For instance, they

continue to balance their time with this change that has taken place.

Well, the researchers chose this topic to analyze the predicaments faced by the

Senior High School Teachers of San Pablo City Integrated High School. They all wonder
what exactly are the adjustments of teachers in this situation. Teachers are the students’

partners in education since education is no longer contained within the school. In the

continuation of this study, it is hoped that the disturbances in their mind will be

answered.

In addition, the main goal of this study is to learn about the issues, comments, and

suggestions that teachers have had while implementing Modular Distance Learning. This

research also attempts to determine the approaches, interventions, and solutions of the

teachers in assisting in this new learning mode. The significance of this study is to help

future researchers in various ways, as it will serve multiple purposes.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to learn and discover more about the predicaments in handling

modules that were faced by Senior High School Teachers of SPCIHS, the school year

2021-2022.

It seeks to answer the following:

1. What are the predicaments specifically in handling modules of Senior High

School students that teachers encountered?

2. How does it affect their work as a teacher?

3. How did they cope with and resolve those predicaments they’ve faced during this

time?
 METHODS

Sampling and Respondents

The research was conducted in San Pablo City Integrated High School situated in

F. Marino Street, Lakeside Park Subdivision, Barangay VI-D, San Pablo City, Laguna.

The subject of this study is the Senior High School Teachers of SPCIHS focusing on the

predicaments faced by them during the pandemic. In this research, the researchers

decided to get their respondents through complete enumeration, considering the few

numbers of Senior High School teachers in the said school.

In total, there were sixteen (16) participants. The vast majority of them are

women. Forty-four percent (44%) of them or seven of them are men and fifty-six percent

(56%) of them or 9 of them are women.

As they are part of the Senior High School Department where they hold the 11 th

and 12th grade, the researchers looking forward to their cooperation in answering the

prepared questions as part of their study. Informed full consent forms were used

containing information about the procedures, benefits, and risks of participating.

In light of this, they may withdraw their participation if they are uncomfortable

with their prepared questions. If they so desire, they have the liberty to choose. As they

respect their decision, they will let them choose because they have a right that they

cannot change. If they do not disapprove of the study, the decision will come from them

whether they will allow our interview to continue.

Research Instrument

The researchers used self-made interview questionnaires to obtain the needed

information for the realization of this study on “Overcoming Challenges During

Pandemic: Analysis on the Predicaments on Handling Modules Faced by Senior High

School Teachers of SPCIHS” as research instrument of this study. Research

questionnaires are mainly a series of questions to gather information from the

respondents and which can be compared to a written interview. This questionnaire was

subjected to validation by a well-experienced research adviser. In addition, the interviews

were held face-to-face, considering health protocols.

The questionnaire is composed of two parts:

Part I- Consists of questions regarding the profile of the respondents such as their names.

Part II- Consists of questions about their perception regarding their problems,

predicaments, and the things they face in this new normal education and their perception

about students’ personalities and learning styles, and strategies for handling their

modules.

The researchers prefer to conduct an interview using the English language as the

primary medium of instruction in our research class. The items in the questionnaires were

coded with corresponding descriptive remarks.

Review of Related Literature

 As the researchers go along with this study, The Centers for Disease Control

(CDC), cited by Rappler (2020), modular learning is an alternative to traditional face-to-

face classes and its purpose is to eliminate the risk of exposure to the deadly virus but, it

could turn out to be a dangerous one because, upon the lab studies about Covid-19, a

person can be infected by just touching a surface or object that has a virus on it, and then

they will touch their eyes, nose, or mouth.

As mentioned by Dangle and Sumaoang (2020), there are some main challenges

in Modular Distance Learning. These are lack of school funds in producing modules,

delivery of modules, struggles of students in self-studying, and parents' lack of

knowledge, academically.

As studied by Guiamalon, Alon, and Camsa (2021), teachers are readily capable,

prepared, and well-oriented to accomplish their tasks in Modular Distance Learning

during this pandemic. They conclude that teachers have enough training and skill

development that is necessary for their jobs, effectively and efficiently.

There are different learning strategies implemented in Senior High School one

being face-to-face and the newly published new normal learning or the online and

modular learning all because of a pandemic. As stated in the study “Teachers issues and

concerns on the use of modular learning modality” by Tarhata S. Guiamalon, Sittie

Almirah S. Alon, and Sofia U. Camsa, the highly convenient for most typical Filipino

students is in the form of distance learning that uses Self Learning Modules (SLM). In

addition, Gonzales (2015) states that modular learning is one of the teaching approaches

where the students must learn everything in the module using their effort according to
their own pace. Moreover, he affirmed that this method differs from the most common

one wherein students just listen to learn the concepts presented by their teachers.

According to the research study “Origin and Prevention of Pandemic” (2010), the

interface between humans and animals is of paramount importance in the process of

disease emergence process. Contemporary pandemic and outbreaks of disease, such as

the very timely and relevant Covid-19 pandemic, serves as a great example and reminder

of our global vulnerability to human health threats and our inability to predict or prevent

such events. Some factors are believed to contribute to the origin and global speed of

emerging infectious diseases given for example is the lack of a comprehensive global

surveillance system to monitor disease emergence.

Based on “7 Common Study Problems and How to Deal with Them” (Oxford

Royale Academy), everyone experiences difficulties with studying at one time or another,

and overcoming these challenges is all part of the learning process, especially when you

have a ton of workload. These issues range from temporary glitches to permanent lack of

motivation and low productivity (i.e., low motivation, too many distractions, difficulty

concentrating, difficulty remembering facts and figures, not enjoying the subject you are

studying, lack of right sources, struggling with time management). Therefore, a challenge

could be very life-threatening in means of mental health and confidence level.

Conceptual Framework

Input Process Output

Teachers Analysis on data Discovering and

Modules through: learning about the
Handling modules predicaments on
during pandemic Self-made handling modules
Questionnaires during pandemic.
Interviews

Figure 1

Input - it shows the variables or raw data which are the teachers, modules, and handling

modules during a pandemic.

Process - it shows the method: self-made questionnaires and interviews, by which the

variables are collected and synthesized.

Output - it shows the outcome of the variables or study which is discovering and

learning the said predicaments.

Theoretical Framework

Figure 1. Ponnan and Ambalavanan (2014) Model

Based on Figure 1, shows the model made by Ponnan and Ambalavanan (2014). It

pointed out that PLE or Personal Learning Environment are getting a more mobilized and

viable strategy in the 2011 Horizon Report K-12 Education, in which students learn at

their own pace. However, the MIE or Minimally Invasive Education focuses that the

teachers’ jobs are being facilitators to their students, telling them what they learned, and

the ones who answer the questions and inquiries of their students.

This study, it is just mainly stating that the teachers are responsible for their

students. It is clear that it is their job to handle and be involved in the learning of the
students. Their intelligence and competencies are needed to be involved in this kind of

situation to learn how to handle this current situation and at the same time, achieve the

success of establishing a well-structured curriculum for their students.

Data Analysis

The following statistical instruments were used to analyze and interpret data for

the profile of the respondents in terms of name and subjective analysis of the researchers

was used for the perception of the teachers on the predicaments of handling modules

during a pandemic. The researcher’s goal of finding a specific answer can be

accomplished by analyzing the data they have gathered through thematic analysis. In

which the researchers’ theme utilized open coding or specifically use codes for the

respective answers of their respondents to analyze their point of view of them.

First, the researcher analyzed the participants including their names. Second, in

addition to knowing certain information, the researchers went through procedures to

conduct interviews using questionnaires. The conduct of the interview was carried out by

relating to the current situation they were facing. The researchers went through various

analyzes for example only grammatical errors in the generated questions.

Then, the main idea of our formulated question can be answered through personal

perspective because it mainly focused on the difficulty that they have experienced in the

new normal setup of education specifically on handling the modules. After following the

procedures of analyzing the data, future researchers can use it as a basis to further

develop their knowledge.

 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

Table 1- How would you describe your experience/s in handling modules in one word?
Positive Negative

- Planning - Moderately difficult

- Challenging - Stressful

- Easy - Difficult

- Collaborative - Hard

- Manageable

Table 1 shows how the teachers described their experience/s regarding handling

modules in one word. The result indicates that most of the teachers described their

experience/s with a positive response. This implies that they turned the challenges into

opportunities. Therefore, most of the senior high school teachers of SPCIHS has been

favorable to handling modules.

Table 2- What is the hardest thing that you have encountered in handling modules?
Students’ struggles Handling modules Trials they face

- Student doesn’t know - Distributing of modules, - When the parents or the

how to read instructions. sorting of modules, as students could not go to
well as the availability of school so they will not
- Missing parts of pages---
the sources. be able to get the
there are times that
students cannot - Sorting (out modules) modules, if they do not
download or either open have the modules, they
- Printing, sorting, and
the file. will not be able to
packing
answer the activities
- Some students in both
- Crafting activities that will be given by the
modular and blended
aligned in MELCs teachers.
learning did not submit
the required answer - Currently and teaching
sheets on time.
- Explaining the tasks to be technology is one of the
done to the students requirements to teach
impairments
technologies so there’s
a slightly difficult part
for modular students
since they need to
visualize how to do
things how to navigate
technology itself so it’s
very hard just like
seeing directions in
modules so that's the
part of my subject that
I'm teaching now and
that's really the most
difficult thing for me.
- The struggle to create a
wide variety of effective
learning materials that
cater to a broad range
of needs for different
competencies. Always
remember that modules
are not substitutes for
teachers.

Table 2 indicates the hardest thing that the teachers have encountered in handling

modules. The result implies different kinds of situations the senior high school teachers

of SPCIHS have experienced in the matter of handling modules.

Table 3- Has it ever occurred to you to leave the teaching profession due to this new
normal setup? Why or why not?
Desire Challenge Fulfillment of sworn duty

- No, because this is my -Sometimes I’m thinking to - No, teaching is my

 mission---I love teaching. quit---I’m quitting this passion so I will never
profession but in this time get tired of doing what I
- Definitely not, I’ve
of pandemic, I quite enjoy love.
studied so hard just to be
it more than before.
in this position and I - I choose these
don’t want to leave. I -No, because I embraced the
professions to teach and
also consider the changes and accepted the
I promise and pledge
benefits to the students challenge.
that I can give.
the teach even though
-No, because I love my work. there is one student as
- No, because I love As an educator I have to long as there is one
teaching embrace this new normal student, I want to learn
setup.
- No, because when it that you should teach
comes to the passion you -No, as a teacher there are and that's where we
wouldn't feel it as hard it many challenges and swear.
is instead, you'll tend to obstacles to overcome
enjoy it. - I am adaptable. I am
able to adjust to the
new normal setup.
- Teachers had to adapt
to unexpected
conditions

Table 3 shows how the teachers respond if it ever occurred to them to leave the teaching

profession in this time of new normal setup. The result indicates their desire to teach and

fulfillment of sworn duty. Therefore, it never occurred to the senior high school teachers

of SPCIHS to quit the teaching profession during this time of the pandemic.

Table 4- Has there been a change in your job as a teacher since this situation came up?
If yes, please specify.
Challenging change No change Adjustments they Compliance of the
face responsibility with
affirmation

- Yes, I’m not saying I - No, although I - Yes, teaching on - I think there is
need to change my have a business- the new normal, no change in my
job---I love teaching
 especially I want to - I love business new modules job as a teacher
learn more---to learn also. more paperwork; only the medium
strategies and new sorting of on how to
- No
interventions in modules even deliver learning.
terms of teaching but
binding the
there is a part that I - No, every
modules
come out in quitting teacher devotes
due to some reason - Yes, from being his or her life to
because night to a face-to-face education.
midnight, we are still teacher to being a
checking---it was
virtual teacher.
really hard and I
think because of a - More also---
pandemic but if we more to be
will have face-to-face accomplished,
classes, it will be the ones we used
easy.
to accomplish
- There are so many when f2f, he just
changes that increased he
happened not just to wasn't replaced
me but also to how I or lost moreover
cope with both the it's not just being
demands and a teacher the
challenges brought by
teacher's job
the pandemic.

- Yes, it's better, it seems

like I like seeing the
kids more, I can reach
out to them more
than online and also
those in the modular.
A lot has changed, we
have improved our
teaching in terms of
online but face-to-
face seems like it's
hard to bring it back
again, you'll have to
worry.

- None since we are still

working on papers and
documents. as well as
in teaching.
- Yes, the teaching
approach

- Yes, I have become more

technically inclined as
the situation asks for it.
Every teacher must be
computer literate as
well.

Table 4 shows whether any changes have occurred in their work since the method

of learning changed. The result shows that most of them experienced a change that led to

slight adjustments in the handling of the students' modules. Hence, the change in their job

became challenging.

Table 5- What were your ways on mending and overcoming the predicaments that
occurred in this situation, were the ways easy or hard for you?
Adapting the new situation Desire to surpass the obstacles

- Of course, everything is---because it’s - We teachers are known to be flexible

new normal, it’s new---definitely,
adjusting is a one of the hardest things
but of course, we should be able to
handle everything in every situation.
- Overcoming the predicaments---we
need to look for more new strategies,
new interventions, and to cope the
problem of students.
- Adapting to the new normal and trying
to embrace the changes for me to
continue to grow as well as my way of
teaching.
- To overcome stress in this current
situation, instead of torturing myself by
thinking negatively, I always look at the
brighter side of it. Because the more you
think negatively the worst situations will
come out and it will only affect you.
and to be resourceful so whenever we
are having this challenge, our
department usually come up with a
certain let’s say seminar or certain
meeting wherein we could share our
best practices so that the other
teacher could also adapt it. So, I think
these ways make the work easier for
the teachers.
- I need to be more understanding of
the issues of my students.
- Accept the situation, and realize that
this is just a phase.
- Look for ways how to deal with the
modular way of teaching.
- Coping up with the changes and
 - Coping up with the changes and equipping myself with new learnings
equipping myself with new learnings
- We, teachers, need to find an
- Accept the challenge, that is, learn and alternative so the students could
study computer-generated lessons. catch up on the lessons.

The table 5 shows the strategies they implemented to somehow solve the

difficulties they faced. As an outcome, they had ways how to overcome the predicaments

they have encountered. It conveys the solutions generated by the teachers of SPCIHS.

Table 6- Would you consider giving the ways you did to overcome the predicaments you
have encountered as an encouragement to those other teachers facing the same thing as
you? How would you convince them to consider the tips you have given?
Helping hands Role model Giving motivation

- Yes of course, I’m going to - We could actually - I would think of

convince them---of course
every teacher does have
strategies in handling this
kind of situation and
definitely, if it’s good for me,
definitely they---if they
have(strategies/tips), I will
also get those.
- Yes, I think encouragement
for the teachers that are also
experiencing this situation---
to share the knowledge and
at the same time, the
techniques and strategies for
them to adapt.
- Yes, I can give them some of
my best practice as well as
some tips on how to do the
tasks. I can share with them
share those best
practices through
those meetings so that
we could also help the
- Yes, one way of it is
other teachers
address the challenges
that we have as a
teacher.
- Maintain a positive
mindset by learning to
turn your negative
thoughts into positive
ones. Positive
thoughts increase
your mood, improve
your thinking, and
help you and your
colleagues have a
improving my ways
rather than giving it
up.
by being positive all
the time. regular talk
and cheering up
colleagues, will be a
great help, by simply
asking or chatting
intimately with
friends about happy
moments will be a
good way to lessen
their stress.
 some good and easy ways on more positive
how to make things easier. workplace
- Maybe for teachers like environment.
Ma'am Giselle, Sir Aldrin, and - I would convince them
Sir Daniel who are new, we
with a heart
give a guide but the ones
who gave us more guides, of
course, Ma'am Adarna
because ma'am has more
experience and at the same
time technical assistance,
because they are Master
Teachers. It's hard and at the
same time, it's easy. It's
easy– "no one will dictate to
me what to do because I'm
modular". It's hard because
does the students really
understand anything?
Actually, our situation is
difficult but as teachers, we
have to do our job and this is
really what is up to us.

- Yes, sharing my adjustment

methods,

- Since we are all teachers, we

have to know and utilize our
full potential to adhere to
the latest strategies and
techniques in this new
normal setup.

- Yes, I would consider giving

my way. I would share my
practices on how to handle
students, especially during
this situation.

Table 6 shows the answers if they want to share their respective ways of solving

the problems they are experiencing. It also indicates in what way/s they will convince
their fellow teacher of their strategies. As a result, each of them had the encouragement to

help their co-teachers in overcoming their difficulties.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary of Findings

1. What are the predicaments specifically in handling modules of Senior High

School students that teachers encountered?

 Based on the opinions and ideas of the said respondents, they concluded that this

pandemic brought a lot of changes, adjustments, problems, and challenges that

they need to face every day in terms of handling the modules of the Senior High

School Students. They specified it: printing and sorting out of modules, the

technologies they have, the techniques that they need just to teach the students,

and the struggles of every student in answering their modules and tasks.

2. How does it affect their work as a teacher?

Most of the respondents responded that it never came to their minds on quitting

teaching even during this time of pandemic because they insisted that it was their

passion and mission to be an educator. Yet, they considered a lot of changes in

their job as a teacher. Specifically, they need to come up with a lot of strategies

and new interventions today compared to before and they need to adjust

themselves.

3. How did they cope with and resolve those predicaments they’ve faced during

this time?

Coping up during this time is hard. But as teachers who are passionate about their

jobs, they came up with a lot of ideas, solutions, and even suggestions to

overcome the challenges brought by this pandemic. They came upon adopting the

new normal setup, being a role model to other teachers who are struggling also

like them, and giving a lot of motivation by telling or sharing their experiences

with the other educators and how they are still surviving the challenge.

Conclusion
 Based on the findings obtained, the recent teaching-learning system is way harder

than the system we had before this pandemic happened. Resulting in a few predicaments

faced by teachers, such as the effect on it their work, the feelings they tend to feel, and

the different coping mechanisms they must apply. Therefore, the coding shows that there

are negative and positive responses to handling the new normal situation. It’s an equal

estimated percent of hardness and easiness for these people. Moreover, teachers have

been experiencing challenges and interventions and so they are expected to make a

mechanism to cope with these problems. On the other hand, these predicaments were

found that they do not hinder as much to these respondents but were concluded to be a

challenge to most of them.

Recommendations

Based on the findings and conclusions presented, the following recommendations are

suggested:

1. The researchers recommend searching for an effective future vision for teaching

affecting the relationship between the school, the individual, and the community that

achieves the effective learning method and knowing the importance of developing

these teaching methods as well as applying the use of technology to it.

2. The researchers recommend paying more attention to how to use the modern

teaching approaches by the scientific texts and providing better teaching

opportunities for the learners in the different teaching levels and the necessity of it

the important aspects in developing learners’ skills.

3. The researchers recommend giving attention to the effort of the teachers all over the

country by giving them the right salary and benefits that are aligned to their jobs.
 4. The researchers recommend widening the target respondents for future researchers

with the same study for them to be aware of these kinds of issues and how would

people deal with them.

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