Trends and Practices of Araling Panlipunan Instructions in the Schools Amidst Covid-19 Pandemic: Input for Technical Assistance

Abstract

This action research determined the implementation of Araling Panlipunan Instructions in the schools amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The study aimed to discover the profile of the participants; the trends and practices of teachers in the new normal; the challenges and issues encountered in the absence of face-to-face classes; and solutions utilized by teachers in addressing the situations affecting the instructions. The participants in the study are the teachers of elementary and secondary schools. The researcher used the descriptive survey method and frequency for the interpretation and analysis of the data. The survey tool was validated by twenty non-respondent teachers from select schools before it was administered via Google link to one hundred- six respondents. An interview and focus group discussion also was conducted to collect more information and validate the gathered data. Based on the results, the findings revealed that the majority of respondents were female, teachers utilized modular distance learning, attended the training in lesson planning, modular and online distance learning, and joined learning action cells. The teachers utilized learning modules, worksheets, videos, and manuals as learning resources. The respondents utilized the formative and summative tests, actual performance and skills tests, and portfolios, as assessments. The use of films and photographs, pictures, globes and maps, and problem-solving were the most common approaches in handling their classes. The most common problems encountered were the distance of learners’ houses, parents answering self-learning modules, poor internet connection, late submission of learners’ output, assessment of learners’ performance, and non-completion of activities. Although there were problems, the teachers strategically applied the best practices such as strong collaboration, parents’ orientation, open communication, access to free wifi providers, simplified activities for learners, giving feedback, and conducting a home visitation to help the learners during the pandemic Keywords: instructions, trends and practices, challenges, strategies, specialization, pandemic, new normal, assessment, modular, online kumustahan, learning delivery