ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study investigates the challenges of Araling Panlipunan teachers during the implementation of Modular Distance Learning modality in the New Normal and identified the different interventions used by the participants of the study to design suited technical assistance in the New Normal.
DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The study is a phenomenological research. This type of research seeks to produce in-depth descriptions of individuals regarding a certain phenomenon through the use of collected narratives of experiences and feelings (Yildrim & Yuksel, 2015). Additionally, Recursive Textual Analysis using Lichtman’s 3 C’s (Coding, Categorizing, and Conceptualizing) was utilized in analyzing the qualitative data.
FINDINGS: The researcher found challenges in the teaching process, assessment and even personal lives of the participants. Other school-related challenges were also deemed including preparation of Self-Learning Modules (SLM), student supervision, checking of outputs, late submission of outputs, and difficulty in answering subjective type of questions. Additionally, interventions related to parent/guardian involvement in learning and interventions to enrich the knowledge of students in the subject area were found.
RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: The study is limited in deeming the different challenges of the participants through the identified themes in the in-depth interviews. Limitations were also present in the literature since distance learning using printed modules is rare especially in the studies published abroad. The study’s implications greatly centered on addressing the challenges of the teachers in modular distance learning. In the locale of the study, the possible technical assistance to help the teachers were presented and this paved way in taking the first step in understanding the concerns not only of Araling Panlipunan teachers but teachers from different departments as well.
ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The study put to light the challenges of Araling Panlipunan teachers in the implementation of the Printed Modular Distance Learning. It also focused on the qualitative narration of the phenomenon under this modality.
KEYWORDS: Modular Distance Learning, Phenomenological Research, New Normal, Technical Assistance, Araling Panlipunan, Philippines
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