The Big Shift: Examining Practices, Challenges, and Coping Mechanisms of Teachers and Students in Transitioning to Modular Distance Learning

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic threat, the Department of Education (DepEd) established the Basic Education - Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP) to allow students to continue their education and teachers to conduct instruction in a safe working and learning environment. As a result, DepEd implemented the distance learning approach, including Modular Distance Learning (MDL), for the School Year 2020-2021. This paper investigated the practices, challenges, and coping mechanisms of teachers and students involved in the implementation of the MDL in Schools Division of Laoag City. This qualitative research utilized semi-structured interview guide to collect data from 20 teachers and 20 learners from elementary, junior high and senior high schools. Using the phenomenological study, data were analyzed and organized into themes. The study's major themes revealed that teachers and students began familiarizing themselves with the features of MDL but encountered challenges such as printing, distribution, and retrieval of modules, as well as monitoring of student progress on the part of the teacher and answering overloaded activities on the part of the students. They claimed, however, that they have unique coping mechanisms in dealing with the identified challenges by resolving issues independently and seeking help from family and colleagues. Finally, the Modular Distance Learning Adoption Framework (MDLAF) was developed and validated for teachers and students to effectively adopt MDL. The researchers recommended that relevant scaffolding such as capacity building, counseling and instructional support be provided to both teachers and students to effectively adopt different learning modalities such as MDL.

Pr Roduction Potential of Maize As a Affected D by Interc Cropping, Planting Geomet Try, Popul Lation Dyn Amics and D Fertilizer R Managem Ment

Investigations into production potential of maize (Zea maize L. cv. Pioneer 30-Y- 87) as affected by intercropping, planting geometry, population dynamics and fertilizer management was carried out at the Agronomic Research Farm, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, in two field experiments during Kharif 2006 and 2007. Both experiments were carried out in randomized complete block design with split arrangements. First experiment consisted of three nitrogen levels (150, 200 and 250 kg ha -1 ), two zinc levels (0 and 15 kg ha -1 ) and three population densities (57100, 71400, and 999000 plants ha -1 ). Fertilizers were kept in main plots and plant densities in sub-plots. Second experiment comprised of three intercropping systems i.e. maize alone, maize + mungbean (Vigna radiate L.) and maize + mashbean (Vigna mungo L.) and three planting geometries (70 cm apart single row planting, 105/35 cm apart paired row planting, and 140/35 cm apart three row planting, respectively), keeping planting geometries in main plots while intercropping systems in sub-plots. Sowing was done with the help of a dibbler to ensure desired plant population. The results of the experiments are briefly described as under. In the first experiment, growth and development of maize crop was maximum with increase in nitrogen from 150 to 250 kg ha + 15 kg Zn ha -1 and consequently, yield (24 %) and yield components increased. LAI, LAD, and CGR increased with increasing plant populations. Although, yield components decreased with elevated plant densities yet grain yield increased due to more number of plants per unit area. In the second experiment, maize crop sown in double row strips proved superior to other planting geometries in terms of yield and yield components. Although intercropping of legumes in maize reduced growth and development, yield components and finally the grain yield of maize, however additional benefits obtained from intercrops compensated more than the losses in maize production. The effect of planting geometries and intercropping systems was non-significant on grain quality of maize.