Reap What You Sow: Lived Experiences of Modular Learners in The New Norm

Abstract

The prevailing health crisis shifted the paradigm of education, which abruptly changes the teaching-learning modalities from a traditional Face-to-Face approach to a Modular Distance Learning Modality (MDLM) to ensure the safety and well-being of High School teachers and learners. The researchers aimed to explore learners' lived experiences through a modular approach and created a learning model (Bud of Learning: The Ecosystem of Modular Teaching) to enhance teaching modalities. The researchers utilized interpretative phenomenology through open-ended questions. The instrument solicited consent through an online platform to 6 teachers, 54 parents, and 20 purposively selected learners of the Department of Education. Based on the emerged themes, the 20 participants unanimously favored Face-to-Face over the modular approach, such as a budding plant needing a sower's personal touch. It enabled faster learning based on experience and real-time feedback from the teacher to learners, which observed plants that given enough time and effort. The researchers concluded that many difficulties of modular implementation affect the bio-psychosocial of learners' individuality. This study recommended creating a holistic teaching approach through synchronous and blended experiential learning, increasing partnership with stakeholders, and ensuring accessibility of Learning Resources (LRs) and Instructional Materials (IMs).