You are on page 1of 7

Banguanga, Gueco, Abug, Baladhay & Sitaca | | Journal of Science Teachers and Educators, 4 (1) | June 2021

Acceptability and Effectiveness of the Division-Initiated Self-


Learning Modules (SLM) in Science for Modular
and Blended Learning among Grade 10 Learners
CHRISTY ANN G. BANGUANGA1
christy.banguanga@deped.gov.ph
EDNA ROSE P. GUECO2
ednarose.gueco@deped.gov.ph
CHIRADEE G. ABUG1
xiradygustilo@gmail.com
JEAN P. BALADHAY1
jean14_09@yahoo.com
ARLAN M. SITACA1
arlan.sitaca@deped.gov.ph
1
Mansilingan Agro-Industrial High School, Bacolod City, Philippines
2
Department of Education – SDO Bacolod City, Bacolod City, Philippines

ABSTRACT
This educational action research attempted to seek a workable solution to address
parents’ concern of possible COVID infection due to face-to-face interactions for school
year 2020 to 2021. It aims to find out the acceptability and effectiveness of division-
initiated Self-Learning Modules (SLM) in Science for Modular and Blended Learning
among Grade 10 learners. Two groups of participants utilized the printed and digital
formats of the SLMs in three weeks. Pretest and Posttests were compared and
standardized questionnaires for the monitoring and evaluation of learning resource
Keywords: materials were used to gather feedback. Results show that the division-initiated SLMs in
Science Education, printed and digital formats are effective learning resource materials to utilize in both
Remote Learning modular and blended learning modalities. Post-assessment results show improvement in
Modality, Self- academic performance of learners with little to no assistance. Participants from modular
Learning Modules, and blended groups both groups showed positive feedback on the acceptability of the
Central Philippines SLMs in the users’ point of view.

INTRODUCTION
asynchronous, Radio-Based Instruction, TV-Based
The Department of Education (DepEd) is preparing for
Instruction, and Homeschooling. The schools are
the “new normal” in education in the midst of the
empowered to determine on the particular learning
COVID-19 situation in the country. We have to prepare
delivery modalities which may be regarded appropriate in
to adjust to the changes in the learning environment to
their situation (Briones, 2020 and Business Mirror, 2020).
ensure that schooling will not be further disrupted. DepEd
Aware of the increasing trend in the number of COVID
offers other options to face-to-face learning
cases in the city, parents have concerns sending their
notwithstanding the public health situation. In the draft of
children to school knowing the probability of their
the Basic Education – Learning Continuity Plan, DepEd
children to be infected is quite high. With the safety of
highlighted the five learning modalities for this school
their school children as a primary concern, they do not
year. Among these are the Modular Distance Learning
mind missing this school year. Parents say that one year
which may be available in print or digital format, the
of missed school is even better than facing the disease
Online Distance Learning which may be synchronous or
58
Banguanga, Gueco, Abug, Baladhay & Sitaca | | Journal of Science Teachers and Educators, 4 (1) | June 2021

they could not afford (Depaloma, L., et. al, personal from the official list of enrollees who has all of the
communication, June 22, 2020). following qualifications based on the Learner Enrollment
Considering the mandate where no face-to-face and Survey Form:
instruction until it is safe to do so, we omit traditional 1. must be an incoming Grade 10 learner for SY
classroom instruction among our options. DepEd Bacolod 2020-2021;
initiated the development of Self-Learning Modules 2. has indicated “Online” as preferred distance
(SLM) which can be utilized through the five learning modality;
recommended distance learning modalities. These SLMs 3. has own smartphone or desktop computer; and
are stand-alone modules based on the Most Essential 4. has own broadband internet or mobile data.
Learning Competencies and have undergone quality Identified learners were contacted to secure their
assurance based on the DepEd’s Learning Resource parents’ consent to join in the action research. Once
Management System. The SLM includes a learner- consent was secured, they were “enrolled” in Messenger
friendly pretest, self-check exercises, additional activities, group: Science 10 Blended Group.
and other learning instructions intended to help learners For the Printed-Modular Group, 20 incoming Grade 10
learn even teachers and learners are geographically learners who indicated “Modular” in their preferred
remote from each other. Vergara (2017) and UPOU modality in the enrolment forms were the participants of
(2015) pointed out that academic performance and this study. Participants in this group has all of the
feedback on the perspective of learners will determine the following qualifications:
acceptability and effectiveness of the module when used 1. must be an incoming Grade 10 learner for SY
in distance education. Also, students’ performance 2020-2021;
establishes whether the learning targets have been 2. has indicated “modular” as preferred distance
attained (Darkwa & Anturi, 2021 and Alghamdi, et. al, learning modality; and
2020). 3. has parent/ guardian/ elder sibling (aged 20
The main goal of this research is the attempt to seek a above) who are willing to pick-up and submit
workable solution to address parents’ concern of possible modules in the designated hub.
COVID infection due to face-to-face interactions and to Identified learners were contacted through text
comply with DepEd's learning continuity plan amid the inviting them to join the action research. Interested
pandemic situation. It aims to find out the acceptability participants were instructed to reply their full name to be
and effectiveness of division-initiated SLMs in Science officially listed as participant for the modular group.
for Modular and Blended Learning among Grade 10
Ethical Considerations
learners for school year 2020-2021. The acceptability and
All interested participants were asked to secure their
effectiveness of this distance learning option is
parents’ consent to join the pilot-run of the modular and
determined by the answers to the following questions:
blended learning modalities. Orientation for Blended
1. How do the learners find the SLMs in terms of
Learning group was scheduled on June 27, 2020 and
a. alignment of objectives and activities to the
conducted using Messenger Room. For the modular
learning competencies?
group, orientation was done on the same day through text
b. simplicity of activities?
messaging. All group orientations were done covering the
c. availability of materials used?
following items:
d. simplicity of language used? and
1. background as to why the action research is being
e. quantity and quality of illustrations/ pictures/
conducted,
models/ diagrams?
2. description of the remote learning modality that
2. What are the learners’ feedback on the utilization of
will be adopted for the purpose,
the SLMs? and
3. their roles and responsibilities as participants, and
3. What is the percentage of increase in the academic
4. the timeline and schedule of activities.
performance of learners utilizing the SLMs?
The Instrument
METHODS
This actions research utilized the three SLMs
Selection of Participants developed by the researchers. It covered two learning
For Blended Learning Group, 20 incoming Grade 10 competencies for Grade 10 based on the Most Essential
learners with smartphones and messenger accounts were Learning Competencies in the first grading period.
the participants of this study. The participants were taken
59
Banguanga, Gueco, Abug, Baladhay & Sitaca | | Journal of Science Teachers and Educators, 4 (1) | June 2021

Learning Competency 1: evaluation of the developed learning resource material to


Describe and relate the distribution of active the extent to which criteria were met using the 1-5 rating
volcanoes, earthquake epicenters, and major mountain scale. The following rubrics were used:
belts to Plate Tectonics Theory (S10ES-Ia-j-36.1) 1 - The criterion was not met
Lesson 1: Plate Tectonics Theory 2 - The criterion was partially met
Module 1A
Lesson 2: Earth’s Plates 3 - The criterion was adequately met
Lesson 3: Distribution of Volcanoes 4 - The criterion was substantially met
Module 1B Lesson 4: Earthquake Epicenter and 5 - The criterion was completely met
Major Mountain Belts
Learning Competency 2: Data Collection and Recording
Describe the different types of plate boundaries Pretest, posttest, and module outputs of the blended
(S10ES–Ia-j-36.2) learning group were downloaded and compiled. Checking
Module 2 Lesson 1: Types of Plate Boundaries of responses were based on the answer key provided in
the Teacher’s Material of each corresponding module.
Data Analysis Accomplished pretest, posttest and module outputs of
Learners’ evaluation of the SLMs in terms of the modular group were gathered by the researchers from
alignment of objectives and activities to the learning the person in charge in the school guidance office which
competencies, simplicity of activities, availability of served as a hub for receiving and submission of modules.
materials used, simplicity of language used and quality of Manual checking of answer sheets was done by the
illustrations/pictures/models/diagrams through frequency researcher-writers of each module.
count. Learners’ feedback on the utilization of the self- RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
learning modules were compiled as responses to each
specific question. The result of this study is divided into three parts:
The percentage of increase in the academic learner’s evaluation of the SLMs, learners’ feedback on
performance of learners utilizing the SLMs was identified the utilization of the SLMs and academic performance
as the difference in the means of pre and post assessment based on pre and post assessment scores.
test scores, divided by the perfect score and multiplied by Both blended and modular groups evaluated the SLMs
100% as shown in the formula: having substantially and completely met all given criteria
of a learning resource material. The objectives and
% of Increase in Academic Performance = activities are aligned with the learning competencies; the
𝑀𝑒𝑎𝑛 𝑃𝑜𝑠𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑡 −𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑆𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑠 activities suggested are simple to perform, the activities
x 100%
𝑁𝑜. 𝑜𝑓 𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑚𝑠 can be finished within the allotted time; the materials used
in the activities are easy to find or readily available; the
Procedure of the Study language used is simple, easy to comprehend; and the
Simultaneous Pilot Run of SLMs in Two Modalities illustrations/pictures/models/ diagrams are enough and
Utilizing the printed and digital copies of SLMs, pilot clear. Generally, both groups find the modules substantial
testing was done to the modular and blended learning for self-learning. These results imply that the SLMs are
group in three weeks. For the modular group, Monday acceptable to Grade 10 learners as end-user of this
was set as the day for receiving and submission of printed learning material.
modules. For the Blended group, uploading of digital
modules in PDF format was done every Monday for the Learners’ Feedback on the Utilization of the SLMs
learners to accomplish. Every Friday, at 9:00 AM, they On the question: “Are the SLMs helpful to you?”
All the learners in the blended and modular group said
will meet online using the Zoom platform to discuss the
that the SLMs had been helpful to them because they can
correct responses to the modules and answer their
posttest. This was done in 3 weeks simultaneously among learn from the activities in the safety of their homes, by
the two groups. themselves. Some said it is easy to understand and the
details are complete. They also said that the information
in the module was sufficient, the lessons were clearly
Monitoring and Evaluation of the Utilization of SLMs
explained in detail that helped them to understand the
At the end of the three-week pilot run in both groups,
participants were asked to answer a 2-page evaluation lesson at their own time and pace. The illustrations and
labels enabled them to comprehend the lessons well. This
sheet to give their feedback on the SLMs. Part 1 includes
60
Banguanga, Gueco, Abug, Baladhay & Sitaca | | Journal of Science Teachers and Educators, 4 (1) | June 2021

implies that the SLMs are acceptable to the grade 10 On the question: “How did you overcome the
learners to be used both in printed and digital copies. challenges?”
The blended group said they use the internet if they do
Learner’s Evaluation of the SLMs
not comprehend some concepts in the module. Majority
Table 1. Evaluation of SLM Based on Given Criteria
of them said they asked for assistance from their parents,
Mean
Criteria/Guide Questions: siblings, and their friends. The modular group suggested
Blended Modular
reading the module carefully, reviewing answers, and
1. The objectives and activities asking help from friends and family members. Some
are aligned with the learning 4.83 4.83 suggested using search engines and asking the teacher.
competencies One learner said she just challenged herself to answer the
2. The activities suggested are module without asking any help. These responses implies
4.94 5.00
simple to perform. that grade 10 learners are resourceful enough to find help
3. The activities can be in addressing the problems they encounter using the
finished within the allotted 4.83 4.92 modules.
time. On the question: “What can you suggest to improve
4. The materials used in the the modules?”
activities are easy to find or 4.94 5.00 Learners from the blended learning group suggested
readily available. making the font size larger and utilizing Google forms so
5. The terminology/ies or it would be easier to answer. This implied that our online
language used are simple, easy 4.94 5.00 learners are well-versed with various online applications
to comprehend. to answer the modules easier. Two learners utilizing the
6. The illustrations/pictures/ printed modules suggested to make the illustrations
models/ diagrams are enough 4.89 4.67 clearer. Someone said instructions on tests and activities
and clear. should be stated well to make it easier to understand.
7. Generally, how do you find On the question: “Did you ask assistance to help you
4.72 4.58
the Self-Learning Modules? in answering the modules?”
On the question: “Were you able to accomplish the Combined responses from participants in both groups
activities in the modules?” showed that most of the learners seek assistance from
All the participants utilizing the printed modules said their parents/ guardian, their brothers and sisters, their
they were able to accomplish the activities in the modules. friends and last in the rank is asking help from teachers.
Sixteen out of 17 blended learning participants said they Four learners said they didn’t ask assistance from anyone
were able to accomplish the activities because it is easy to at all. This implies that majority of our learners, have
understand. These responses imply that the activities in understood that even the material is labelled as self-
the module can be accomplished and managed by self- learning module, they are allowed to ask assistance from
learning grade 10 learners. whoever they find helpful for the accomplishment of the
On the question: “Have you encountered problems/ tasks.
challenges using the modules?” Academic Performance
Twelve out of 17 participants in the blended learning Table 2 presents the academic performance of the
group said they have not encountered any problem using participants both in the blended and modular learning
the digital modules. However, 4 of them encountered Two groups, as they utilize the SLMs.
learners complained however that there is one module Post-assessment scores in both in blended (M=8.76) and
where the pages were stapled in a different order, so they modular (M=8.18) groups shows progress over pretest at
were confused. One further said sometimes he cannot M=5.53 and M=5.88 respectively in module 1. It shows
understand the questions. This implies that possible issues improvement in academic performance both in blended
on the use of these SLMs include unstable internet (M=32.35) and modular (M=22.94) groups. Consistently, in
connection among blended learners, disarranged pages in the third week of pilot-run, module 2 posttest scores are
assembling the modules, and misconception of texts. higher (M=8.24 and M=6.94) over pretest scores (M=5.12
problems on slow and unstable internet connection and and M=5.71) in both groups, with an improvement of
another one said sometimes he can’t understand. Among 31.18% and 12.35% respectively. This implies that the
the modular group who utilized the printed modules, 8 SLMs had been effective for learners.
learners said they have no issues regarding the modules.
61
Banguanga, Gueco, Abug, Baladhay & Sitaca | | Journal of Science Teachers and Educators, 4 (1) | June 2021

Table 2. Learners’ Academic Performance Utilizing the SLMs


Module 1 Module 2
Groups Mean Score Improvement Mean Score Improvement
Pretest Posttest (%) Pretest Posttest (%)
Blended 5.53 8.76 32.35 5.12 8.24 31.18
Modular 5.88 8.18 22.94 5.71 6.94 12.35

Comparing the two groups, pretest scores of modular Generally, the SLMs are easy to understand and
group is found to be higher (M=5.88 and M=5.71) in both accomplish.
modules compared to the blended group (M=5.53 and 3. The SLMs have been found to be helpful to grade
M=5.12). However, the blended group have higher post- 10 learners in the blended and modular group.
assessment scores (M=8.76 and M=8.24) compared to the The Lesson Overview have provided them
modular group (M=8.18 and M=6.94). Consequently, the complete and sufficient information to achieve
percentage of improvement in academic performance is the competencies required of them. It helped
higher in blended group (M=32.35 and M=31.18) than in them to understand the lesson at their own time
modular group (M=8.18 and M=12.35). This implies that and pace.
academic performance is enhanced using the blended 4. The activities and tasks in the SLMs can be
learning modality compared to modular learning. It could accomplished by the individual learner because it
be attributed to online discussion of correct responses is simple and easy to understand. Issues on the
among blended groups. Learners retained science timeliness of receiving and submission of outputs
concepts better when their responses to worksheets were among the modular group is dependent upon the
discussed, this way they learn from their mistakes and availability of parents. Although some learners
even concretize correct responses. are willing, some parents may have difficulty in
the submission and getting the modules in the
REFLECTION
designated hub due to work schedule and days of
The following are the insights gained and lessons availability.
learned in the conduct of this action research: 5. Possible issues on the use of SLMs in printed
1. The division-initiated SLM in printed and digital copies may include high printing cost, significant
format are feasible learning resource materials to effort in printing and sorting, and human error
utilize in both modular and blended learning such disarranged pages in assembling the
modalities. Post-assessment results show modules.
improvement in academic performance of 6. Notwithstanding the issues encountered in both
learners with little to no assistance from the remote learning groups, learners are resourceful
teacher and family members. In addition, enough to find help in addressing the problems
academic performance is further enhanced when they encounter in using the modules. They ask for
online discussion of correct responses among assistance from their teachers, friends or family
learners is conducted to retain learned concepts members.
and concretize correct responses from their 7. Regardless of compliance to the Learning
worksheets. Resource Management (LRM) guidelines on font
2. Blended Learning and Modular group sizes, some learners suggested to increase font
participants showed positive feedback on the size for readability. The Arial font and font size
evaluation of the SLMs. The printed and digital 11 to 12 is specified for all learning resources for
self-learning modules have objectives and Grade 5 until Grade 12. Similarly, suggestions on
exercises that are aligned with the learning making illustrations clearer or bigger, may need
competencies. The activities are simple to re-evaluation of images and illustrations to
perform and can be finished within allotted time. comply with the image to text ratio of 30:70.
The materials used in the activities are readily 8. Not all participants who signified interest and
available and the terminologies used are simple consent in participating in the pilot run of
and easy to comprehend. The illustrations/ learning modalities they have chosen had been
pictures/ diagrams are enough and clear. compliant with their roles and responsibilities as
participants of the action research. Some
62
Banguanga, Gueco, Abug, Baladhay & Sitaca | | Journal of Science Teachers and Educators, 4 (1) | June 2021

participants just quit when they encounter issues discussion of correct responses among those who
in the modalities they have chosen. However, the utilize it for blended and online learning is
researchers do not take away the possibility that encouraged. Teacher-facilitators may supplement
some participants did not take the program printed modules with digital contents to enhance
seriously because it is just a pilot run and not yet understanding and correct misconceptions of
the actual graded class. learners. Learners should be encouraged to seek
9. Learners in the Blended Learning Modality may assistance primarily from their teachers to help
quit due unstable internet connection. Learners them in completing the tasks correctly in the
who use mobile data may find it costly if all 8 learning resource.
subjects will require them to have online Printing the SLMs back-to-back can save paper
discussion in all days of the week. When internet resources. Teacher-facilitators should encourage
connection is unstable, they may find it hard to answering the modules in separate answer sheets
attend online discussion, consequently, they will so it could further be reused in the next school
miss important instructions and couldn’t catch up year. In terms of font style, font size and text to
with the deadlines of submitting required outputs. image ratio, it should adhere to the guidelines
10. Learners who received digital copies of modules specified by the LRM System. Careful printing
need to manually answer on a separate sheet, take and sorting of modules ensuring page numbers in
a photo of the answer sheets and upload it. Some correct sequence is also advised. Aside from the
learners may own smartphones that do not year level identifier, modules should have a
support the format of files uploaded. binding strip color-coded according to learning
11. Learners utilizing the printed modules may find it area based on the LRMS specifications for easier
easier because everything is already provided for sorting and identification.
them to read and answer. However, problems 2. For the implementation of the modular learning
may arise if their parents are working. If their modality, the school should consider the bulk of
parents could not find time to get their modules, parents going to school to school for the retrieval
there will be delays in the submission and and submission of modules. Following the IATF
receiving of new modules. Guidelines, it would be impossible to observe
social distancing when parents from all year
The pilot testing of using SLMs in modular-print and
levels will flood the school. Scheduling the
blended learning modalities required careful and thorough
retrieval and submission of modules in specific
planning. Looking for interested participants and keeping
days of the week with a particular year level
them in the program proved to be challenging and requires
would control the mass gathering. Also
a lot of effort. Constant communication between the
considering the availability of working parents,
teachers, parents and the learners is a requirement to
they too should have an opportunity to make a
address issues as they come. Considerations in the
living without sacrificing their children’s
homogeneous sectioning of learners, appropriate loading
education.
of teachers and strong collaboration with local
Nevertheless, the researchers recommend that
stakeholders is greatly encouraged. Careful planning is a
sectioning of learners should be in clusters based
significant step to ensure success of the delivery of the
on residence. Learners enrolled in a specific
different remote learning modalities.
grade level belonging to one village should
RECOMMENDATIONS belong to one section. In cases wherein the
The following recommendations are based on the number of learners did not reach 40, neighboring
results of the pilot run of modular and blended learning villages can be merged as one section. Teacher
modalities among Grade 10 learners, utilizing the residing on or near that area will serve as their
division-initiated SLMs in Science. These adviser who will collect and distribute modules in
recommendations may be considered in the all 8 learning areas. This recommendation is
implementation of the school’s learning continuity plan made since it is easier to distribute and retrieve
for the incoming school year. modules when there is a designated meet-up hub
1. The SLMs can be utilized both in printed and within the community where learners are allowed
digital copies for remote learning. Online to go. This will also be beneficial to teachers in
following up the submission of required outputs
63
Banguanga, Gueco, Abug, Baladhay & Sitaca | | Journal of Science Teachers and Educators, 4 (1) | June 2021

since, he/she won’t be travelling from one village in post assessments better than no discussion at
to another thereby cutting travelling efforts and all.
expenses. 4. Face to Face Orientation of Parents in clusters is
In cases where there is no teacher residing in necessary for parents to be well-informed of the
that area, a teacher can also be designated as learning modality they have chosen, their roles &
adviser to distribute and retrieve the modules of 8 responsibilities, the guidelines and schedule of
subject areas, compiled in envelopes with their activities. It should be emphasized also in the
names and contact numbers. If some learners, orientation that even learning is remote, their
were unable to meet-up on the designated children can ask assistance of their teachers,
schedule, a Memorandum of Understanding can family members and friends. Proper
also be made between the school and the Local communication protocols should be observed
Government Unit (LGU) for Village Presidents to especially in reporting issues and decisions on
gather all unclaimed modules and distribute them transferring or dropping out.
in their residences. Logbooks showing records of
REFERENCES
submission and retrieval shall be kept by the
adviser. Alghamdi, A., Karpinski, A. C., Lepp, A., & Barkley, J.
3. For the implementation of Blended Learning (2020). Online and face-to-face classroom
Modality, the school should make sure that the multitasking and academic performance: Moderated
learners are well-equipped with the necessary mediation with self-efficacy for self-regulated
gadgets, devices and stable internet connection learning and gender. Computers in Human
before they are enrolled in blended and online Behavior, 102, 214-222.
classes. In cases wherein they have exhausted all Briones, L. M. (2020). IATF Approves the BE-LCP,
means but could not replace damaged devices or School Opening on August 24, 2020. Retrieved June
could not reconnect internet subscriptions, they 22, 2020, from
should communicate with the adviser as soon as https://www.deped.gov.ph/2020/05/11/iatf-
possible to transfer them to modular modality. approves-the-be-lcp-school-opening-on-august-24-
In the distribution of softcopies of the 2020/
modules, PDF/PNG format is encouraged to Business Mirror. (2020, March 19). DepEd widens
maintain the integrity of its contents and prevent learners’ access to quality education through
restructuring of diagrams and illustrations. Alternative Delivery Mode. Retrieved from
Answer sheets both in MS Word and PDF/PNG https://businessmirror.com.ph/2017/03/19/deped-
format may be distributed to online learners to widens-learners-access-to-quality-education-
facilitate encoding of answers. through-alternative-delivery-mode/
A capacity-building orientation should be Darkwa, B. F., & Antwi, S. (2021). From Classroom to
done to all online learners on encoding answers, Online: Comparing the Effectiveness and Student
editing images and illustrations, and navigating Academic Performance of Classroom Learning and
the online platform. Utilizing the Google Online Learning. Open Access Library Journal,
Classroom or the DepEd’s Learner Management 8(7), 1-22.
System is encouraged for organizing online and DepEd. (2020). The Basic Education Learning Continuity
blended learning classes. Plan in the Time of COVID-19. Retrieved from
For online discussions, a stable internet https://www.deped.gov.ph
connection is a must. A well-planned slide UPOU (2015). Workshop E: Quality Assurance in ODeL.
presentation must be prepared in advance for https://networks.upou.edu.ph/1376/workshop-e-
screen sharing. It is suggested to make sure quality-assurance-in-odel
everyone recites or be given the chance to share Vergara, A. M. (2017). Development, Effectiveness and
their answers without being ridiculed for wrong Acceptability of Module for the Problem Solving
responses. Monitoring of learners’ attendance in and Critical Thinking Skills of Alternative Learning
online discussion is strongly encouraged since System in the District of Tanay II.
research results suggests that discussions of ResearchGate.Net.
correct responses increase academic performance

64

You might also like