Towards an Enhanced Implementation of Printed Modular Distance Learning in the Philippines: A Meta-Synthesis

Abstract

Implementing modular distance learning (MDL) in the Philippines remains problematic. We review studies on printed MDL to create themes for its enhanced implementation. A meta-synthesis of qualitative studies was executed, and a comprehensive search in Google Scholar was conducted. A thematic synthesis was performed, revealing the four presences to enhance the implementation of printed MDL, such as: structural; community; intervention; and quality assurance. The structural presence underscores module designs that can capture students' interests and learning, as well as module content that can articulate curricular learning competencies and students' context, needs, and situations. The community presence highlights that education in the MDL is not the sole responsibility of students. Contrary to the common idea that MDL is about providing modules for students to study independently, MDL is everyone's responsibility. The family members and teachers, as well as community members and sectors, have roles to play and must work together to produce more desirable learning outcomes. The intervention presence emphasizes instructional and socio-emotional support to help students overcome academic and personal difficulties and foster a positive and supportive learning atmosphere. Quality assurance presence highlights the systematic actions in the planning, development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation processes to ensure the MDL's quality implementation and continuous improvement. The provision of quality includes meeting stakeholders' needs and conforming to desired outcomes or standards. Hence, education officials may adopt the identified presences for the orientation and training activities to enhance the implementation of MDL.