CHAPTER II

Theoretical Framework

This chapter presents related literature and studies that are significant in this

research. It includes studies and theories that are related to learners' preferences on

different learning modalities in line with the pandemic.

Related Literature

Tauzon (2021) postulated that amid this Coronavirus pandemic, no instructor is

prepared. Since this start of classes generates concerns about safety and health, the

DepED and the Commission on Higher Education have pushed the envelope to adapt to

this unusual circumstance. It established a variety of Learning Delivery Modalities

(LDMs) to assure that an efficient teaching-learning process under the new educational

norm.

Numerous variables must be examined when the Philippines embarks on a new

method of education. It encompasses the teacher's capacity, the learner's circumstance

and setting, and the learning environment's effectiveness, in addition to more obvious

concerns about internet connection speeds, material costs, and manner of delivery. The

better option is to pause and develop a strategy that involves teachers, students,

parents, school officials, and technology-based companies. This collaborative approach

based on a shared vision is just the type of innovative answer that this unusual

challenge requires (Joaquin et al., 2021).

Online learning may take the form of synchronous, real-time discussions and

time-based outcome evaluations, or it may take the form of asynchronous, delayed-time

activities such as pre-recorded video lectures and time-independent exams (Oztok et al.,

2013).

However, Online learning grew increasingly difficult for students since they felt it

was difficult to grasp the lesson online. They were experiencing troubles due to a lack of

internet connection, which meant they would not attend the online class (Castañeda,

2021). students have to deal with difficulty motivating themselves and focusing in

online classes. If students cannot stay focused in their e-learning environment, it has a

massive effect on their studies. To prevent this issue, students must prioritize themself

and do simple things such as sleeping early, waking up early, taking a shower before

attending an online class, and eating breakfast. Finally, they should have a couple of

minutes to themselves. Some of the students lacked computer literacy—they struggled

in an online class and could not operate basic software literacy. It is critical for their

class because assessments must be typewritten, which the students cannot do due to

their lack of knowledge about the actual computer. Online education imposes additional

duties on students, as they must discipline and encourage themselves to engage in

online classes. Students must learn how to work and study independently and become
accustomed to looking alone. No one can assist them, as personal communication is

complex and requires additional effort to learn.

All face-to-face classes were canceled throughout these school

closures,including our own, to convert from face-to-face in-person studying to entirely

online education instantly. The rapid transition to totally online courses has been highly

distressing for many teachers and students who prefer in-person instruction. Online

education is frequently viewed as a less viable choice that gives a lower-quality

education than face-to-face classes (Hodges et al., 2020). Some personnel did not

understand the importance of totally online education, ignoring that online education

has existed for decades. Several educators have been forced to improvise rapid online

learning solutions during the present health crisis (Hodges et al. 2020).

Distance education is a broad term referring to any learning experience in which

the student and teacher are physically separated. Such a displacement provides the

ideal environment for free-flowing cognition that enables us to think outside the

limitations of standard social order. Furthermore, this sort of education gives learning

opportunities to all learners, regardless of their circumstances. It means that online

education has the potential to expand educational access through dissemination and

scale economies (Amoakohene, 2020). So, distance learning is now a prerequisite for

teachers and students worldwide during the COVID-19 era (Ali, 2020).
 The student discovers that they are having difficulties adapting to the new form

of learning due to the situations that interfere with their academics. Students adjust to

an abrupt shift to synchronous online learning due to the global COVID-19 pandemic

(Besser et al., 2020). Vlasenko and Bozhok (2014) postulated that the loss of interaction

was one of the main disadvantages of online learning because group study is merely

impossible, with no chance of proper communication with classmates to share ideas.

Whereas, some have difficulty to have a stable access to technology, because distance

education requires good internet connectivity and gadgets which are quite expensive

and adds up the monthly expenses of a certain family during this crisis.

Related Studies

The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted the Philippines' public elementary

schools to transition to online education in the "new normal" period. In reaction to the

identified issue, the DepED ordered: "no face-to-face learning" in public schools across

the country. As a result, two (2) modes of remote learning were developed: modular

learning and an online learning system.

In the project of COVID-19 & Education, the study's findings indicate that 583

(583) parents favor modular learning at an 87.93 percent rate, whereas only eighty

parents prefer online learning at a 12.07 percent rate. It finds that most parents prefer
modular learning over online learning systems for their children's education (Rotas,

2020).

Furthermore, Cabual's (2021) study relies on Neil Fleming's VARK model of

learning. This paradigm underlines the fact that learners have distinct "preferred

learning modes," or methods in information processing. "VARK is an acronym for Visual,

Auditory, Reading/Writing Choice, and Kinesthetic" learning modalities. The self-learning

program such as hard copy modules and the PowerPoint presentations of teachers

have been selected as the preferred instructional methods. Although students' learning

styles and favored modalities of instruction are inextricably linked, there are no

significant distinctions between them when classified by gender and area of

concentration of specialty.

As cited by Diego (2021), "No pandemic will be able to deter the Department of

Education from providing a high-quality education to Filipino youngsters (DepED, 2020)."

This pledge embodies the DepED's purpose to ensure that no Filipino learner is left

behind. The remarks exemplify the department's equal treatment in overcoming learning

hurdles regardless of the situation. As a result, it offers blended learning under the

banners of online education, modular education, radio, and television broadcasting.

However, given the high need for more participatory learning comparable to face-to-face

schooling, parents in some schools’ advocate for limited online learning (DepEd, 2020).
 The study of "Online Learning Modality: Pros and Cons" revealed that online

education utilizes various technologies, including the web, email, and chat. It allows

learners to understand and learn in their own time. This type of educational process

necessitates a great deal of resource allocation and planning. It is a paradigm in

education that creates a safer environment for kids and teachers to learn. Thus,

teachers benefit from the interactive mode of instruction, while students benefit from

learning in the comfort of their own homes. Two ways are utilizing this modality. It

might be either asynchronous or synchronous. Utilizing whatever forms of online

learning entails contact between the teacher and students over the internet (Diego,

2021).

According to the study, asynchronous learning is a form of online education that

gives the learners have a deadline for performing tasks and assessments, and

interactions often occur via discussion boards and email. Students who benefit from

these busy schedules will require time limits to work according to their plans.

Synchronous learning, on the other hand, is an engagement between professors and

students that coincide. It will be conducted through webinars, video conferences, and

chats. Furthermore, it saves teachers time by building another timetable for the

students' inquiries by responding in real-time. These gained popularity and were the

most palatable modes of instruction. It has ensured that students can continue their

studies under this new educational paradigm. Thus, offering continual interaction during
these trying moments alleviates the pressure on students who are learning

independently of their teachers (Diego, 2021).

The study revealed that online education has disadvantages. It begins with a

poor or inconsistent internet connection. The country's internet access is not as

accessible like other countries. Either pay for an internet connection or seek out

locations that give it for free. It affects pupils' education since it can cause them to lose

motivation and concentration. As a result, it may impede their educational growth and

result in substandard performance. Distractions and the ability to work under pressure

are the second disadvantages. Studying at home with your younger siblings there or

having one watch the siblings while parents are at work can be distracting. It is just one

of the numerous examples of losing concentration while listening to the teacher's

lecture. Finally, students have a finite attention span. It is a general problem, not a

technical one (Amadora, 2020; Friedman, 2020).

According to Casagrande et al. (2020), the COVID-19 pandemic possesses

several characteristics that contribute to its extreme stressor status for learners. Safety

concerns persist, given the possible harm to learners' health and well-being and their

family, friends, and associates. Numerous learners have also experienced the feeling of

loneliness due to adhering to instructions requiring physical separation or social

distancing. Stress, depression, and anxiety are also aroused when everyday habits are
entirely disrupted. As a result, experts have started to quantify the increased worry and

suffering experienced by those living through the pandemic.

Based on the researcher, the student discovers that they have difficulties

adapting to the new form of learning due to the situations that interfere with their

academics. The students were adjusting to the unexpected and unexpected changes in

educational approach caused by the epidemic. Throughout the measurements, the

researcher found that the students exhibited a pattern of responses showing a

preference for the face-to-face method over the asynchronous/synchronous online

version. Therefore, students in higher education must adjust to an active response from

asynchronous online learning to synchronous online learning due to the global COVID-

19 pandemic (Besser et al., 2020).

Tauzon (2021) stated that no educator is ready for the Coronavirus pandemic.

The DepED and the Commission on Higher Education have pushed the envelope to

adapt to this unusual circumstance. Online classes require students to be self-

motivated and focused. Inability to concentrate in an e-learning environment negatively

impacts students' grades. Create place-sensitive policies with local and regional

governments. Their sense of place is vital. Many teachers and students have been

distressed by the rapid shift to online courses. It refers to any learning experience where

the student and teacher are physically separated. Some employees misunderstood the
value of online education, despite its long history. Parents prefer an online learning

system over modular learning.

In this COVID-19 pandemic, the introduction of active-learning modalities is

associated with increased learners' perceptions of effect and involvement. It is plain to

observe the significant disparities in involvement, pleasure, cooperation, motivation, and

difficulties between students whose lessons utilize specific learning strategies.

However, teachers use different learning mechanisms at the start of class to acquire a

firm grasp on how to teach and treat their learners methodologically to engage students

in teaching and learning activities. The paradigm emphasizes that learners have

"preferred learning modes." The DepEd's mission is to ensure that no Filipino student is

left behind. The study "Online Learning Modality: Pros and Cons" revealed that online

education uses web, email, and chat technologies. Asynchronous or synchronous.

Using online learning involves teacher-student communication via the internet.

The study found drawbacks to online education. One of the leading causes is a

bad internet connection. The second disadvantage is distractions and working under

pressure. Students' attention span is limited, not a technical issue (Amadora, 2020;

Friedman, 2020). The global COVID-19 pandemic is affecting universities worldwide.

Theoretical Framework

Learning styles theory

This theory is based on the premise that individual distinctions in processing

capacity result in dramatically varying learning demands. Educational scholars have

established that not all learners acquire knowledge in the same way (Witkin, 1973;

Gregorc, 1979). Students are unique in their own right, particularly in their method of

learning. According to Gregorc (1979), learning styles, teaching styles, and personality

styles always influence student learning.

Decision Theory

This theory examines the rationale behind a learner's choices. It is also a theory

of beliefs, desires, and other relevant dispositions; what counts is how these numerous

perceptions conform. (Steele, 2020).

 This theory is somewhat connected, as learners would examine their own beliefs

and desires while determining their preferred learning method. The research will

examine the reasons for the students' choices.

Operant Conditioning Theory

According to Mcleod (2018), Edward Thorndike's law of effect proposed that

"responses that have a fulfilling effect in a given scenario become more likely to occur

again in that context, whereas responses that have a distressing effect become less

likely to occur again in that environment."

This theory postulated that the experiences of the experiences with learning

modalities, or the experiences of the people surrounding them, would influence their

choices. Those who struggle by one mode of learning will choose another, while those

who produce positive outcomes would prefer the learning mode they are now

practicing.
 Independent Variable Dependent Variable

Grade 12 students in PNHS Grade 12 students in PNHS

Personal adversity Personal adversity

Academic Academic
expectations expectations
Conceptual Framework Psychological factors
Psychological factors
Time management Time management

Environment Environment

Figure 1. The conceptual framework of the study

Figure 1 shows the conceptual framework of the study and the connection between the

independent and dependent variables. The independent variable is the personal

adversity, academic expectations, psychological factors, time management, and the

environment of Grade 12 students in Palo National High School, which also serves as
the test variable in the study. On the other hand, the dependent variable is the

preferences of Grade 12 Students in Palo National High School in learning modalities,

including modular distance learning and an online learning system. This variable will

have a direct effect on the outcomes of the independent variable.

Definition of Terms

Modular Distance Learning. refers personalized education that allows learners to

employ self-learning modules (SLMs) in print or digital format/electronic copy, or a

combination of the two.

Online Distance Learning. refers to the physical separation between teachers and

students during instruction and the use of various technologies to enhance student-

teacher and student-student contact, which are the critical components of this type of

education.

Personal adversity. refers to health problems, family problems, financial problems, or

other conditions or situations that affect his views and outlooks regarding teaching-

learning modalities.

Academic Expectations. refers to educational standards the students expect

from a teaching-learning modality.

Psychological factors. refers to variables that affect the mood of the students. It

may include regulation of time, study environment, and social goal orientation.

Time management. refers to the schedule and management of assignments and

objectives the students find comfortable doing within the allotted time.

Environment. refers to the noise, location, and experiences of the students while

studying
Flexible Learning. refers to a principle of practice in formal education,

concerned with increased flexibility in the requirements, time and location of study,

teaching, assessment, and certification.

Students. refers to a group of individuals who are official enrolled at Palo National

High School.

PNHS. stands for Palo National High School.It is a public school in Palo,Leyte

Philippines.PNHS is considered as a medium-integrated senior high school based on

the classification given by the Department of Education.