Challenges Encountered and Coping Strategies of Third Year Civil Engineering Students on Modular Distance Learning During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Ivy May Dela Cruz – Rumbaoa & Esli Joy N. Fernando
University Of La Salette, Inc, Santiago City, Philippines
DOI – http://doi.org/10.37502/IJSMR.2025.8103

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the challenges and coping strategies of third-year civil engineering students in modular distance learning during the covid-19 pandemic. This study used a quantitative descriptive research design to identify and describe the challenges faced by learners in modular distance learning. Various statistical tools such as frequency, percentage, mean and rank were used in this study. Results of the study revealed that the majority of the respondents includes individuals ages 23-25, predominantly male, single, utilizing mobile phones for virtual learning at home. Google meet stands out as the preferred online platform. The third-year civil engineering student agreed that challenges they encountered on modular distance learning during the Covid-19 pandemic include distribution and retrieval of modules, time management, self-study/independent learning, learning resources/materials, economy and communication. The coping strategies they used on modular distance learning during the covid-19 pandemic were borrowing learning resources, incorporate diverse learning methods, design a study space, set realistic goals, establish a routine, stay connected, seek help when needed, practice time management, break tasks into chunks, stay flexible and manage information intake.

Keywords: Modular Distance Learning, Covid-19 Pandemic, Civil Engineering, Coping Strategies

References

  • Abduradjak, Z. A., Badua, J. A., Bebanco, P. B., Moncatar, I. S., Palanca, G. O., Sanchez, M. A. M. C., & Labaria, J. J. C. (2022). The Challenges Encountered by Grade Seven (7) Ssc Students of Aborlan National High School Aborlan, Palawan in the Implementation of Modular Distance Learing. Open Access Repository, 8(04), 158-168.
  • Alawamleh, M., Al-Twait, L. M., & Al-Saht, G. R. (2020). The effect of online learning on communication between instructors and students during Covid-19 pandemic. Asian Education and Development Studies, 11(2), 380-400.
  • Alea, L. A., Fabrea, M. F., Roldan, R. D. A., & Farooqi, A. Z. (2020). Teachers’ Covid-19 awareness, distance learning education experiences and perceptions towards institutional readiness and challenges. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 19(6), 127-144.
  • Alvarez, M. Y. (2021). Issues and concerns of teachers in Mindanao State University-Sulu towards modular distance learning approach: An analysis. Indonesian Community Empowerment Journal, 1(2), 51-69.
  • Asrar, Z., Tariq, N., & Rashid, H. (2018). The impact of communication between teachers and students: A case study of the Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Karachi, Pakistan. European Scientific Journal, 14(16), 32-39.
  • Azmat, M., & Ahmad, A. (2022). Lack of social interaction in online classes during COVID-19. Journal of Materials and Environmental Science, 13(2), 185-196.
  • Barrot, J. S., Llenares, I. I., & Del Rosario, L. S. (2021). Students’ online learning challenges during the pandemic and how they cope with them: The case of the Philippines. Education and information technologies, 26(6), 7321-7338.
  • Bayucca, S. A. (2021). Challenges encountered and technical assistance needed by parents and learners utilizing modular distance learning: Basis for a proposed support program. Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences (JHASS), 3(3), 128-135.
  • Betlen, E. A. (2021). Effect of modular learning approach on the academic achievement of students. Global Scientific Journals, 9(7), 2995-3004.
  • Bustillo, E., & Aguilos, M. (2022). The challenges of modular learning in the wake of covid-19: a digital divide in the Philippine countryside revealed. Education Sciences, 12(7), 449.
  • Butial, F. J., Santos, M. D., Juanito, J., Francisco, J. M., Abequibel, B., Deran, J. J., … & Alieto, E. O. (2022). Modular Teaching during Tumultuous Times: Challenges and Coping Strategies of Special Education Teachers. Special Education, 1(43).
  • Calo, R. M., Calo, B., & Bustamante, R. (2021). Students’ struggles and their coping mechanisms in the new normal. Napolan National High School, 1-36.
  • Carbonilla, M. J., Kadusale, G., Lucero, R., & Pungyan, M. R. (2022). Parents’ coping mechanism in conquering challenges towards distribution and retrieval of modules. International Journal of Multidisciplinary: Applied Business and Education Research, 3(7), 1195-1202.
  • Carreon, D. B. (2021). Teachers’ Readiness and Challenges in Modular Distance Learning. Available at SSRN 3944096.
  • Castroverde, F., & Acala, M. (2021). Modular distance learning modality: Challenges of teachers in teaching amid the Covid-19 pandemic. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 10(8), 7-15.
  • Centeno, E. (2021). Students’ Level of Communication Skills in the Context of Distance Learning Amidst Covid-19. International Journal of Engineering Research and Management (IJERM)
  • Dangle, Y. R. P., & Sumaoang, J. D. (2020, November). The implementation of modular distance learning in the Philippine secondary public schools. In 3rd International Conference on Advanced Research in Teaching and Education (Vol. 100, p. 108).
  • Danowitz, A., & Beddoes, K. (2020, December). Effects of COVID-19 on engineering students’ baseline stress. In Proceedings of the AAEE2020 Conference.
  • Dayagbil, F. T., Palompon, D. R., Garcia, L. L., & Olvido, M. M. J. (2021, July). Teaching and learning continuity amid and beyond the pandemic. In Frontiers in Education (Vol. 6, p. 678692). Frontiers Media SA.
  • De Claro, W. N. D. (2021). Challenges and barriers encountered by g10-Agoncillo learners in the implementation of modular distance learning at Taal National High School. International Journal of Research in Engineering, Science and Management, 4(7), 409-413.
  • De Leon, L. V. (2021). Teachers Difficulties and Struggles In Modular Distance Learning Delivery Input To Be-LCP. Learning.
  • Diefenderfer, K. (2022). Stress Coping Responses of Undergraduate University Students Prior to & Since the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Minnesota State University, Mankato.
  • Firmante, M.C. (2022). Experiences of Engineering Students during the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study
  • Gocotano, T. E., Jerodiaz, M. A. L., Banggay, J. C. P., Nasibog, H. B. R., & Go, M. B. (2021). Higher Education Students’ Challenges on Flexible Online Learning Implementation in the Rural Areas: A Philippine Case. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 20(7).
  • Gueta, M. F., & Janer, S. S. (2021). Distance learning challenges on the use of self-learning module. United International Journal for Research & Technology, 2(07), 58-71.
  • Hanum, N. S. (2017, June). The importance of classroom interaction in the teaching of reading in junior high school. In Prosiding seminar nasional mahasiswa kerjasama direktorat jenderal guru dan tenaga kependidikan kemendikbud (pp. 1-9).
  • Hayat, A. A., Keshavarzi, M. H., Zare, S., Bazrafcan, L., Rezaee, R., Faghihi, S. A., … & Kojuri, J. (2021). Challenges and opportunities from the COVID-19 pandemic in medical education: a qualitative study. BMC Medical Education, 21(1), 247.
  • Heffer, T., & Willoughby, T. (2017). A count of coping strategies: A longitudinal study investigating an alternative method to understanding coping and adjustment. PloS one, 12(10), e0186057.
  • Jaraba, A. R. D., & Janer, S. S. Impact of Modular Distance Learning on the Performance of Grade 8 Learners in Science.
  • Kakepotoa, I., Memonb, I. A., Halepotoc, I. A., Talpurd, Q., & Jalbanie, K. B. (2021). Exploring E-Learning Barriers of University Students during
  • COVID 19 Pandemic. Int J Innov Creativity Chang, 15(6), 1161-74.
  • Lagrio, R., Saclet, S., Gerasmia, M., & Segundo, T. (2022). Lived Experiences of Parents and Teachers in Module Distribution and Retrieval: The Untold Story. Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 4(4), 366-373.
  • Laguador, J. M. (2021). Challenges encountered during pandemic in flexible learning among college students living in urban, rural, and suburban areas in the Philippines. Asia Pacific Journal of Educational Perspectives, 8(1), 10-18.
  • Logel, C., Oreopoulos, P., & Petronijevic, U. (2021). Experiences and coping
  • strategies of college students during the COVID-19 pandemic (No. w28803). National Bureau of Economic Research.
  • Mahyoob, M. (2020). Challenges of e-Learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic Experienced by EFL Learners. Arab World English Journal (AWEJ), 11(4).
  • Martin, J., Bautista, C., Tabua, A. & Tindowen, D.J. (2023). Academic Stress and Coping Strategies of Students in Flexible Learning
  • Mukwevho, M. H. (2018). Time management challenges on students’ academic performance: A case study of a rural university in Limpopo province, South Africa. African Journal of Development Studies, 8(2), 81-99.
  • Nardo, M. T. B. (2017). Modular instruction enhances learner autonomy. American journal of educational research, 5(10), 1024-1034.
  • Natividad, A. C. A., & Ballena, C. T. (2021). Communicating with students under the modular distance learning modality in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Peter, O. (2015). Social Media And Academic Performance Of Students In. Department Of Educational Administration, Faculty Of Education, University Of Lagos.
  • Pokhrel, S., & Chhetri, R. (2021). A literature review on impact of COVID-19 pandemic on teaching and learning. Higher education for the future, 8(1), 133-141.
  • Rotas, E., & Cahapay, M. (2021). From stress to success: Exploring how Filipino students cope with remote learning amid COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Pedagogical Sociology and Psychology, 3(1), 27-35.
  • Sahin, S. & Hepsogutlu, Z.B. (2018). Psychological resilience and coping strategies of high school students based on certain variables. Eğitim Bilimleri Araştırmaları Dergisi, 8(2),49-64.
  • Talimodao, A. J. S., & Madrigal, D. V. (2021). Printed modular distance learning
  • in Philippine public elementary schools in time of COVID-19 pandemic: Quality, implementation, and challenges. Philippine Social Science Journal, 4(3), 19-29.
  • Tandang, D. R., & Cabigan, M. V. A. (2022). Problems Encountered Under
  • Modular Distance Learning and Learner’s Behavior: Input to School Improvement Plan. Problems Encountered Under Modular Distance Learning and Learner’s Behavior: Input to School Improvement Plan, 104(1), 31-31.
  • Terzi, S., & Celik, A. (2005). Teacher-student interactions in distance learning. Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology-TOJET, 4(1), 54-56.
  • Wardhono, A., Widjaja, A., Purwadi, D., Sabariman, B., & Triarso, A. (2020,
  • December). Perception of Civil Engineering Students Towards the Effectiveness of Virtual Learning Implementation During Covid-19 Pandemic. In International Joint Conference on Arts and Humanities (IJCAH 2020) (pp. 1105-1110). Atlantis Press.
  • Yuzulia, I. (2021). The challenges of online learning during pandemic: Students’
  • Wanastra: Jurnal Bahasa Dan Sastra, 13(1), 08-12