The COVID-19 pandemic took the education system by surprise.

As such, Philippines education sector is

one of the most affected in the society as schools and community learning centers shut down for
physical conduct of classes. Thus, face to face learning engagement of students and teachers within the
school has been suspended further transforming the life of all learners since March of 2020. In this
context, as per DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones, amidst of the COVID-19 crisis, the education must
continue. With health risks that the pandemic is imposing to teachers, the department of education
provided guidelines and policies regarding various modalities and approaches in teaching to provide
quality education to learners amidst pandemic. This ensures the health, safety and wellbeing of the
learners and the teachers. With this, the „new normal‟ of education is introduced, focusing on the mode
of the delivery of instruction, with the distinctive rise of online learning. Since the conduct of face-to-
face classes is prohibited, the DepEd announced that the adoption of various learning delivery options
such as but not limited to blended learning, distance learning, and home schooling and other modes of
delivery shall be implemented depending on the local COVID Risk Severity Classification and compliance
with minimum health standards (Briones, 2020). With this, since the teaching and learning process is
undertaken remotely and on digital platforms, the students are asked to accomplish and submit answer
sheets at own pace, place, and time. In line with the above discussion, the key purpose of this research
is to find out the challenges and status of modular learning, Its effect to students‟ academic behavior
and performance in Santo Tomas Elementary School-Annex at Calauan District. Also, this study aims to
ascertain the methods, interventions or solutions of every educational institution as well as the
government in providing assistance to students, parents and teachers who arehaving difficulty in this
new learning modalities amidst pandemic

The outbreak of the new coronavirus infection known as COVID-19 has first occurred at Huanan Seafood
Market in Wuhan city of China in December 2019 (Wikipedia, 2020), and within a couple of months it
has turned out to be a global health emergency. It has rapidly affected thousands of people, who are
sick or being killed due to the spread of this disease. The COVID-19 pandemic also resulted in a
widespread disruption such as travel restrictions, closure of schools and global economic recession.
Most countries around the world have temporarily closed educational institutions to contain the spread
of the virus and reduce infections (Tria, 2020). Face to face engagement of students and 101 teachers
within the school has also been suspended. The Philippines is in the process of adapting to the new
normal form of education at present, and continuous innovations of educators and active involvement
of other stakeholders are the driving force for its success. For the continuity of education and for every
school to still attain its mission and vision which is to provide quality education to every Filipino learner,
the Department of Education implemented the Modular Distance Learning. Distance Learning refers to a
learning delivery modality, where learning takes place between the teacher and the learners who are
geographically remote from each other during instruction. This modality has three types: Modular
Distance Learning (MDL), Online Distance Learning (ODL), and TV/Radio-Based Instruction. (Quinones,
2020) Modular learning is the most popular type of Distance Learning. In the Philippines, this learning
modality is currently used by all public schools because according to a survey conducted by the
Department of Education (DepEd), learning through printed and digital modules emerged as the most
preferred distance learning method of parents with children who are enrolled this academic year
(Bernardo, J). This is also in consideration of the learners in rural areas where internet is not accessible
for online learning. The teacher takes the responsibility of monitoring the progress of the learners. The
learners may ask assistance from the teacher via e-mail, telephone, text message/instant messaging
among others. Where possible, the teacher shall do home visits to learners needing remediation or
assistance (Llego, n.d.). Printed Modules will be delivered to students, parents or guardians by the
teachers or through the Local Government Officials. Since education is no longer held within the school,
parents serve as partners of teachers in education. Parents play a vital role as home facilitators. Their
primary role in modular learning is to establish a connection and guide the child. (FlipScience, 2020).
According to the Department of Education (DepEd), parents and guardians' perform the various roles in
Modular Learning such as Module-ator, Bundy-clock, and as Home Innovator. As a Module-ator, they are
the ones to get and submit the printed Self-Learning Modules (SLMs) from and to schools or barangay
halls at the beginning and end of the week, depending on the agreement between the parents and the
school. As a Bundy-clock, they must check their child's schedule or workweek plan. Because of the
number of subjects or activities to be done, they must see that it is being followed accordingly to avoid
cramming or delays in submission, which may affect the child's performance. Lastly, as a Home
Innovator, they must provide their child with a productive learning environment to help them focus
more on Learning. It must be a well-lighted and well-ventilated space in the house, with little or no
distraction. The use of modules encourages independent study. One of the benefits of using modules for
instruction is the acquisition of better self-study or learning skills among students. Students engage
themselves in learning the concepts presented in the module. They develop a sense of responsibility in
accomplishing the tasks provided in the module. With little or no assistance from others, the learners
progress on their own. They are learning how to learn; they are empowered (Nardo, M.T.B, 2017). Other
advantages of modular instruction include more choice and self-pacing for students; more variety and
flexibility for teachers and staff; and increased adaptability of instructional materials. 102 The
disadvantages include greater self-discipline and self-motivation required for students, increased
preparation time and lack of concrete rewards for teachers and staff, and greater administrative
resources needed to track students and operate multiple modules. The key purpose of this research is to
find out the challenges encountered by the teachers, parents, and students in the implementation of
Modular Distance Learning in the Philippine public secondary schools. Also, this study aims to ascertain
the methods, interventions or solutions of every educational institutions as well as the government in
providing assistance to students, parents and teachers who are having difficulty in this new learning
modality.
RELATED STUDIES

Different studies were conducted to determine the achievement of students in the

traditional and new normal way of teaching. According to Melad (2016) the using the “Quadratic
Function” module has shown that a modular approach to teaching improves student achievement.
Using the module as an approach as a corrective teaching material has increased the student
achievement level of the students compared to the traditional way of teaching. In the published
paper by Satyarthi (2021) on the effective learning strategy for secondary school students-modular
approach found out that modular teaching method was better than the traditional teaching method.
So, this modular approach can improve students‟ learning capacity as well as to facilitate them to
read this self- learning material besides the book. Furthermore, Naboya (2019) concluded that a
modular approach is more effective compared to conventional methods in teaching Inorganic
Chemistry. Reading comprehension moderates the effect of the teaching method on student‟s
achievement levels in Inorganic Chemistry.
There were studies conducted with regards to the effect of modular learning on the
academic performance of the students in Mathematics. Lim (2016) in his study on the
effectiveness of modular instruction in word problem solving of BEED students, revealed that
modular instruction in teaching Mathematics, particularly in word problem solving, is an effective
approach to learning. Moreover, Khalil, and Yousuf (2020) revealed in their paper on the effect of
modular approach teaching on achievement of secondary school mathematics students found out
that scores of the students in modular approach is higher. Furthermore, in a published paper by
Jazim, Anwar, B. and Rahmawati (2017) on The Use of Mathematical Module Based on
Constructivism Approach as Media to Implant the Concept of Algebra Operation showed that the
use of constructivism-based mathematics module was very effective in improving students‟
mathematical understanding on algebra operation material. In addition, in the use of modules in
learning mathematics the result of observation conducted showed that students with high
academic ability were active in the discussion.
In the different learning areas, Gossenheimer, Bem, Carneiro, and de Castro (2017)
conducted a study on the impact of distance education on academic performance in a
pharmaceutical care course. The study found out that student performance was better in the
distance education module. Rahmawati, Lestari and Umam (2019) concluded in their study on the
analysis of the effectiveness of learning in the use of learning modules against students learning
outcomes that the average mathematics learning outcomes of students using modules were higher
compared to students who did not use the module. In a published paper by Ambayon (2020) on
modular-based approach and students‟ achievement in literature., the study conducted the
performance of the college students in literature in the use of modular approach had improved
from poor to excellent achievement whereas the students who did not use modular approach had
relatively improved from poor to fair achievement. Another study by Oparina & Rakova (2018)
on the Modular Approach to Teaching and Learning English Grammar in Technical Universities
revealed that the module approach in teaching is effective for improving students‟ knowledge. Its
Modular approach to teaching and learning in the English grammar is found to be effective in
teaching and increases students‟ understanding and critical thinking.
A study by Valencia (2020) Modular Approach in Teaching Science 10 showed that when
using a modular approach to teaching, student performance was significantly improved on test
results and was described as competent. This indicates that the approach has clearly shown a vital
link in increasing students‟ academic achievement. While Yazon (2017) in his article on module
validation and effectiveness in assessing students learning, found the module to be effective in
facilitating the learning process.

Aksan, A. (2021) Effect of Modular Distance Learning Approach to Academic

Performance in Mathematics of Students in Mindanao State University-Sulu Senior High
School Amidst Covid-19 Pandemic.
2. Ambayon, M. (2020), Modular-Based Approach and Students‟ Achievement in Literature
3. Dangle, P., Sumaoang, D. (2020) The Implementation of Modular Distance Learning in
the Philippine Secondary Public Schools.
4. Gossenheirmer, N., Bem, Carneiro, F., de Castro, S. (2017, April 6) Impact of distance
education on academic performance in a pharmaceutical care course.
5. Naboya, D. (2019, February). Effect of Modular Approach on the Level of Achievement
of Students in Inorganic Chemistry.
6. Mensah, A., White, R., Yankey, Brown, S. (2020, September 25). Covid-19 and Distance
Learning; Effects on Georgia State University School of Public Health Students.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2020.576227)
7. Labrado, L., Labrado, Q., Rosal C., Layasan, B., Salazar, S. (n.d) Initial Implementation of
Printed Modular Distance Learning in the City of Naga-Cebu During Covid-19 Pandemic.
8. Korolkov, Germanov, Langueva, Shevyakova, Poskrebysheva ((2020). Advantages and
Disadvantages of Distance Learning on Students‟ and Teachers of the Physical Culture
Faculty Opinion.
https://www.bioconferences.org/articles/bioconf/full_html/2020/10/bioconf_pes2020_000
58/bioconf_pes2020_00058.html
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9. Galano J. (2021) Preparations for the modular distance learning(printed) amid the covid19 pandemic:
Assessment of Public Junior High School Mathematics Teachers‟
Experiences
10. Olivo, G. (2021, April 12) Parents‟ Perception on Printed Modular Distance Learning in
Canarem Elementary School: Basis for Proposed Action Plan
http://ijmaberjournal.org/index.php/ijmaber/article/view/106
11. Amir, R., Tanti, Maharani, Wimardhani, Julia, Sulijaya, Puspitawati (2020) Student
Perspective of Classroom and Distance Learning During Covid-19 Pandemicin the
Undergraduate Dental Study Program Universitas Indonesia.
https://bmcmededuc.biomedcentral.com/track/pdf/10.1186/s12909-020-02312-0.pdf
12. Dejene (2019, April 29), The Practice of Modularized curriculum in Higher Education
Institution: Active Learning and continuous Assessment in Focus.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/2331186X.2019.1611052?needAccess=true
13. Anthony, M. (2020). DepEd Learning Delivery Modalities for School Year 2020-2021.
https://www.teacher.com/deped-learning-delivery-modalities/
14. Magsambol (2020,September 10) Briones says modular learning „expensive, „has „big
effect‟ on environment. https://www.rappler.com/nation/briones-modular-learningexpensive-effect-
environment
15. El Said, R. (2021, February 10) How Did the Covid-19 Pandemic Affect Higher Education
Learning Experience? An Empirical Investigation of Learners‟ Academic Performance at a
University in a Developing Country.
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ahci/2021/6649524/
16. Chin, M. (2020, October 11) Students‟ New Normal: Modular Distance Learning.
https://www.uniquephilippines.com/students-new-normal-modular-distance-learning/
17. Yazon, D. (2017) Validation and Effectiveness of module in Assessment of Students
Learning https://www.ijsr.net/archive/v7i11/ART20193221.pdf
18. Sadeghi (2019, March 20) A Shift from Classroom to Distance Learning: Advantages and
Limitations
http://ijreeonline.com/article-1-132-en.pdf
19. Nardo, B. (2017, October 20) Modular Instruction Enhances Learner Autonomy.
http://pubs.sciepub.com/education/5/10/3/index.html
20. Kimotho, M. (2018, December 30) A Review of the Coping Strategies used by Male and
Female Open and Distance Learning Students. http://arjess.org/a-review-of-the-copingstrategies-used-
by-male-and-female-open-and-distance-learning-students/
21. Estrada,L.P. (2021). (Opinion) Are self-learning modules effective? https://
www.rappler.com/voices/imoho/opinion-are-self-learning-modules-effective
22. Melad, F. (2016) Modular Approach in Teaching Mathematics: Quadratic Function
https://saspjournals.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/SJPMS-3399-105.pdf
23. Romoroza, B. (2017, November 3) Modular and Traditional Methods of Teaching
Selected Topics in high School Physics.
http://www.multidisciplinaryjournals.com/wpcontent/uploads/2017/05/Full-Paper-MODULAR-AND-
TRADITIONAL-METHODSOF-TEACHING-SELECTED-TOPICS.pdf
24. Kusmaryono, Jupriyanto, Kusumaningsih (2021). A Systematic Literature Review on the
Effectiveness of Distance Learning: Problems, Opportunities, Challenges, and Predictions.
https://ejournal.upi.edu/index.php/ije/article/view/29191
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Valencia, R. (2020). Modular Approach in Teaching Science 10
https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd30318.pdf
26. Kor, Demir, Erbay, Akmese, (2016, December). A Study on the Factors Affecting the
Academic Performance of Distance Education Students and Formal Students.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/311896248_A_Study_on_the_Factors_Affecting
_the_Academic_Performance_of_Distance_Education_Students_and_Formal_Students/lin
k/5931c240aca272fc5504614a/download
27. Ibyatova, L., Oparina, K., & Rakova, E. (2019). Modular Approach to Teaching and
Learning English Grammar in Technical University.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325368627_MODULAR_APPROACH_TO_TE
ACHING_AND_LEARNING_ENGLISH_GRAMMAR_IN_TECHNICAL_UNIVERSIT
IES/link/5e464fff299bf1cdb9285fb7/download
28. Jazmin, R.B. & Rahmawati, D. (2017). The Use of Mathematical Module Based on
Constructivism Approach as Media to Implant the concept of Algebra Operation.
https://www.iejme.com/download/the-use-of-mathematical-module-based-onconstructivism-
approach-as-media-to-implant-the-concept-of.pdf
29. Martin, F., & Furey, H. (2018). Al Education Matters: A Modular Approach to Al Ethics
Education.
http://sigai.acm.org/static/aimatters/4-4/AIMatters-4-4-06-Furey.pdf
30. Malipot, H. (2020, July 3) DepEd: Most students prefer „modular‟ learning over online.
https://mb.com.ph/2020/07/03/deped-most-students-prefer-modular-learning-over-online/
31. Roul, R. (2020, January) Effect of Self-Study on Learning Among Senior Secondary
School Students.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/340808871_Effect_of_selfstudy_material_on_learning_amo
ng_senior_secondary_school_students/link/5e9eb9b9a6f
dcca7892beda9/download
32. Jayaram, K. Dorababu, K.K (2020). Self-Learning Materials in Distance Education System
https://www.journalcra.com/article/self-learning-materials-distance-education-system
33. Lim, E. (2016) Effectiveness of Modular Instructions in Word Problem Solving of BEED
Students.
https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Effectiveness-of-Modular-Instruction-in-Word-
ofLim/fb6763e0927bd172c18e234791a19c95560a06ca#paper-header
34. Larripa,R., Mazzag (2016) . A Modular Approach to Teaching Mathematical Modeling in
Biotechnology in the Undergraduate Curriculum
https://eric.ed.gov/?q=effect+of+modular+learning+to+students+research+paper&pg=3&i
d=EJ1102426
35. Rahmawati, Lestari, Umam (2019) Analysis of the Effectiveness of Learning in the Use of
Learning Modules Against Student Learning Outcomes.
http://ejournal.radenintan.ac.id/index.php/desimal/article/view/4557
36. Khalil, Yousuf, I. (2020) Effect of Modular Approach Teaching on Achievement of
Secondary School Mathematics Students.
http://journal.aiou.edu.pk/journal1/index.php/jse/article/view/156
37. Geetanjali, Satyarthi S. (2017, October 4) An Effective Learning Strategy for Secondary
School Students-Modular Approach.
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006
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38. Ulger,B., Irving, E.(2019) The Effect of Science Lesson Modules on Gifted Students: The
CGA Case https://dergipark.org.tr/en/pub/fmgted/issue/47360/521534
39. Shuja, A. Qureshi, I. A., Schaeffer, D.M., & Zareen, M. (2019) Effect of m-learning on
student‟s academic performance mediated by facilitation discourse and flexibility.
https://www.kmel-journal.org/ojs/index.php/online-publication/article/view/408/402
40. Abaidoo, A. (2018). Factors Contributing to Academic Performance of Students in Junior
High School. https://www.grin.com/document/450284
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Other related studies

According to Antony Charles in his article entitled "Modular approach of teaching mathematics for
selected topics at plus one level", Modular approach in Mathematics learning proved to be an
effective and efficient tool to help students to learn mathematics themselves. He also defined
that the modular approach is a self-contained package dealing with one specific subject convenient
form, so that the learner can identify the objectives, select materials and method and evaluate his
own accomplishment. This provided more flexibility to distance teaching mode as well as to learners. It
was enable the learners to have a control over his learning and accept responsibility for learning.
Since strategy demanded greater maturity on the part of learner, the modules are more appropriate
for more mature students. Edgar Julius A. Lim (2016), this study entitled “Effectiveness of Modular
Instruction in Word Problem Solving of BEED Students”, used Quasi-experimental design to the third
year BEED students. Based on the findings cited, it concluded that modular instruction
394in teaching Math specifically word problem solving, it is effective teaching approach.According to Dr.
Padmapriya P.V. (2015), modules helped to develop self-learning capacity among the learners. The
present study implied that this is self-learning style in which immediate reflection of the self is possible,
which motivated the students to regulate and manage their own learning styles, and thereby to create
an interest and attitude towards science among the students as they are free to learn at their own pace.
With the help of modules students learned and interacted which boost their confidence in their
own learning. The student’s treated with modular approach achieved higher mean scores than those
students teach through activity oriented method. The study revealed that effectiveness of self-
instructional module on achievement among secondary school students and the administrators must
take necessary steps to give special training to teacher in developing modular packages.In the study
of Edrian E. Gonzalez (2015) entitled “A Modular Approach Utilizing Decision Tree in Teaching
Integration Techniques in Calculus” stated many students failed in Mathematics courses because they
did not know on how to arrive at the correct decision when doing a mathematical task. This finding
led to the conclusion that both modular and traditional instructions are equally effective in
facilitating the learning of integration by parts. The other result revealed that the use of modular
approach utilizing decision tree in teaching integration by trigonometric transformation was more
effective than the traditional method. Cristobal M. Ambayan (2020) as stated in his study entitled
“Modular-Based Approacch and Stusents' Achievement in Literature” he used Comparative-
Experimental research design. The third year Bachelor of Secondary Education students (BSED major
in English students for school year 2015-2016) were the participants of the study. Based on the
results, the performance of the college students in literature improved from poor to fair
achievement. Hence it was recommended that the module is used in similar contexts particularly
in learning mythology and folklore.Dochy, F.J.C. and others (n.d.) entitled “Modularization
and Students Learning in Modular Instruction in Relation with Prior Knowledge”, the study found
out the important of prior knowledge, suggesting that in a modular Education environment,
according to the changing ideas in today's society on personal development, students requested a
kind instruction more fully in accordance to their personal characteristics and their prior knowledge
stated resulting in a more efficient and effective education for the learner. There was also the
opportunity for students to ship a moduleor to work through it more quickly on the basis of prior
knowledge.In the study of Carmen L. Vedal Rodeiro and Rita Ñadas on “Effects of Modularisation”, a
modular specification was one in which the content divided into a member of units or modules,
each of which examined separately. The study found out mathematics students were more
satisfied with their grade reports (most common/from of feedback) and gained more information
from them. Furthermore, mathematics students found it easier. However, grade reports were not
helpful in identifying student's learning needs and informing their learning strategies. Students
reported messing the opportunity of going through their own marked paper or receiving
suggestions about the areas they needed to improve on in order to change, it necessary, their
focus of learning and strategies of exam preparation.“Structured Module vs. Self-Paced Modular
Approach in Teaching Trigonometry” by Rodin M. Paspasan (2015) based on the result it showed
that self-passed modularapproach helped them also improved their level of performance in relation
to plane trigonometry and regardless of their mathematical abilities compared to the structured
approach.Ibyatova, Oparina, and Rakova (2018) on “Modular Approach to Teaching and Learning English
Grammar in Technical University”, the result of their study entitled “Modular Approach to Teaching
and Learning English Grammar in Technical University” showed 395that the modular approach were
found to be effective in teaching and enhance students' understanding and critical thinking.According to
Victorio B. Duyan (n.d.) in his study entitled " Effectiveness of Modular Approach in Teaching and
Learning on Chemistry of GASES and their Application at University of Perpetual Help System
Laguna (UPHSL)”, modular approach should be applied to other subjects as well as other level of
education and teachers would use modular teaching to improve the academic achievements of
the students.Based on the study of (Awodeyi, Akpan, & Udo, 2012) entitled “Enhancing Teaching
and Learning of Mathematics: Adoption of Blended Learning Pedagogy in University of Uyo”, it
revealed that the using blended learning, improved students’ learning outcome in Pre-algebra.
Also gender did not have any statistically significant effect on the students’ achievement in pre-
algebra toward the use of blended learning.There was a difference in learning outcomes in the
Pharmaceutical Care Course between face-to-face and distance education in the study of
(Gossenheimer, Bem, Carneiro, & Silveira de Castro, 2017). Therefore, the student performance was
better in the distance education module.