To ensure the quality of self-learning modules (SLMs) being used in the modular distance learning modality, the Department of Education (DepEd) issued guidelines on the evaluation of SLMs, particularly those that will be used by students in the coming grading periods.
In DepEd Order 001 s. of 2021 signed by Education Secretary Leonor Briones on Jan. 4, the DepEd issued policy guidelines on the evaluation of SLMs for Quarters 3 and 4 for the school year (SY) 2020-2021.
“The policy aims to establish a systematic evaluation process that may lead to the procurement of SLMs for Quarters 3 and 4 to be used in SY 2020-2021 in DepEd schools,” Briones said.
“The kind of learning resources used in schools mirrors the kind of education being offered,” DepEd said. “If quality education is expected to be offered, it is crucial that quality learning resources shall be provided to the learners and teachers,” it added.
The DepEd noted that quality learning resources also “enable teachers to better assist and guide learners in mastering the skills, knowledge, and experiences that will support learners in school and in life.”
Under the regular setup, textbooks are the primary learning resources used by the learners with a face-to-face supervision of teachers to attain the objectives of the curriculum.
However, DepEd said that when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the Philippines, strict community quarantine measures were implemented including the prohibition of face-to-face learning.
The DepEd established the Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP) where the different distance learning delivery modalities are introduced, including modular distance learning with SLMs as primary learning resources.
“SLM is developed and intended primarily for the use of learners outside the classroom setting and when classes are disrupted that would limit face-to-face interaction between the learner and the teacher,” the DepEd said. Being the primary learning resource to be used in modular distance learning in the present educational setup, DepEd said SLMs shall be provided among learners.
Prior to their use, DepEd stressed that SLMs should be “evaluated to check their conformance to the quality standards for learning resources” by the agency.
DepEd's Central Office shall conduct the evaluation process upon submission of the SLMs developed by private and public entities during the set deadline. “Submission beyond the deadline shall not be accepted in consideration for evaluation,” it said.
In evaluating the SLMs for Quarters 3 and 4, DepEd said that content, language, layout, and design will be checked for compliance.
For content, DepEd said that the target Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCs) per quarter are “sufficiently covered, that the instructional design and organization are aligned, and the text and visuals are accurate and error-free” and that appropriate assessment for learning is included. Readability should also be ensured and third-party contents are “properly cited and referenced.”
For language, DepEd said that SLMs must “have coherence of clarity and thoughts are free of grammatical syntax spelling and punctuation errors and are consistent in style.”
For layout and design, DepEd said that the “physical attributes, format, and visuals of SLMs should be appropriate and well organized.”