Modular Distance Learning: Its Effect in the Academic Performance of Learners in the New Normal

Due to Covid-19 pandemic, schools, particularly in the rural areas employed Modular Distance Learning (MDL) to ensure education continuity. This study seeks to investigate the effects of MDL in the academic performance of learners whether there is a significant difference in their performance before and after the implementation of MDL. Mixed method was applied in this study; Quantitative using T-Test to compare the GWA of learners and Qualitative through the use of semi-structured interview to find out the perceived effect of MDL to 15 parents, 10 learners, and 7 teachers and their recommendations. The study revealed that the 2.25% decrease in the GWA of learners after the implementation of MDL denotes a significant difference in their academic performance. MDL strengthens family bonding, independent learning, and is cost-effective. However, it is an additional workload to working parents, there is limited teacher-learner interaction, learners lack socialization with other children and have no exposure to significant school activities but are rather exposed to many distractions at home. To bridge the gaps, simplifying of modules accompanied by video lessons and audio recordings, conduct of online mediations, neighborhood instruction and home visitations are recommended. The results of this study will help teachers reflect on their current teaching strategies and improve learning outcomes. Future researchers who will conduct research related to Modular Distance Learning may also consider the findings of this study in drafting their related concepts.

Improving the Basic Writing Skills of Grade 7 Learners in Filipino: An Action Research in Filipino Language

This action research primarily aims to remediate the low level of basic writing skills (writing in cursive, capitalization, punctuation, spelling, and paragraphing) of Grade 7 learners in Filipino class/subject in a government high school. The researcher conducted (1) assessment of learners’ writing competency through pre- and post-tests; (2) preparation/development of writing exercises; (3) activities emphasizing the conduct of writing activities in and out of the classroom; and (4) home visitations to reinforce the teacher’s and parents’ monitoring on the progress of their children. A five-point rating scale was utilized in assessing learners’ outputs. An increase of 1.56 was recorded in the general rating of pre- to post-test, which shows that 80% improvement is manifested among the learners’ basic writing competencies, proving that the intervention used is effective in achieving the target of the study. The study reveals the significant role of teachers in arousing learners’ interest in writing and making them realize its importance. The study holds true the importance of having learning activities and worksheets appropriate to the level of learners’ needs to improve/enhance the unique skills in writing of each learner. Just like other researchers, this study encourages the promptly remediate the classroom- and/or school-based problems through the conduct of research for a rational and systematic way of addressing it. With the aid of well a documented study in all research endeavors, this will guide other teachers and school heads to experience the same plight of addressing the gaps in schools effectively.

Lessons Learned from a Medical Response Team 45 Days Post-Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico

Introduction:Describe the lived experience of a grassroots, nongovernmental disaster medical team (DMT) through a research lens and share practical lessons learned based on the DMT’s experience to support and inform future response teams.Method:Forty-five days after Hurricane Maria, a nongovernmental DMT provided primary medical care by means of community-based pop-up clinics and home visitations in 5 different areas of Puerto Rico. Observational data, photo images, and debriefing notes were collected and documented in the response team’s daily activity log. Field notes were coded using a descriptive coding method and then categorized into 2 domains specific to public health and medical diagnosis.Results:Medical aid was provided to nearly 300 (N = 296) residents. Field note observations identified exhaustion related to living conditions and the exacerbation of underlying conditions, such as reactive airway diseases, diabetes, hypertension, and depression due to the compounding effects of multiple post-disaster triggers. During home visitations, feelings of sadness and helplessness were identified secondary to natural disaster trauma and current living conditions.Conclusion:Our nongovernmental DMT displayed similar characteristics demonstrated by federal DMTs post-natural disaster. Several strategic lessons learned emerged from the public health intervention important to future nongovernmental DMTs.

Lessons Learned from a Medical Response Team 45 Days Post Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico

ABSTRACTObjective:Describe the lived experience of a grassroots, non-governmental disaster medical team (DMT) through a research lens and share practical lessons learned, based on the DMT’s experience to support and inform future response teams.Methods:Forty-five days after Hurricane Maria, a non-governmental DMT provided primary medical care via community based pop-up clinics and home visitations in 5 different areas of Puerto Rico. Observational data, photo images, and debriefing notes were collected and documented in the response team’s daily activity log. Field notes were coded using a descriptive coding method and then categorized into 2 domains specific to public health and medical diagnosis.Results:Medical aid was provided to nearly 300 (N = 296) residents. Field note observations identified exhaustion related to living conditions and the exacerbation of underlying conditions such as reactive airway diseases, diabetes, hypertension, and depression due to the compounding effects of multiple post-disaster triggers. During home visitations, feelings of sadness and helplessness were identified secondary to natural disaster trauma and current living conditions.Conclusion:Our non-governmental DMT displayed similar characteristics demonstrated by federal DMTs post natural disaster. A number of strategic lessons learned emerged from the public health intervention important to future non-governmental DMTs.

An Experimental Evaluation of the Impact of Intensive Supervision on the Recidivism of High-Risk Probationers

This article reports the results of an experimental evaluation of the impact of Intensive Supervision Probation (ISP) on probationer recidivism. Participants, who were assessed at an increased likelihood of committing serious crimes and not ordered to specialized supervision, were randomly assigned to ISP ( n = 447) or standard probation ( n = 385). ISP probationers received more restrictive supervision and experienced more office contacts, home visitations, and drug screenings. After 12 months, there was no difference in offending. This equivalence holds across multiple types of crimes, including violent, non-violent, property, and drug offenses, as well as in a survival analysis conducted for each offense type. ISP probationers absconded from supervision, were charged with technical violations, and were incarcerated at significantly higher rates. Policy implications for these results are discussed.

Human Genetics Studies in Areas of High Natural Radiation: I. Methodology

SummaryThis paper reviews the investigations in the field of the effect of natural radiations on human populations, and discusses a number of problems inherent to retrospective genetic studies of human populations living under high levels of natural radiation. The solutions to face, at least partly, such problems are presented and discussed with special reference to the Brazilian “Projeta Espírito Santo” (PES).In summary, the main PES subjects presented and discussed are as follows:1) The data, including about 7000 couples and 40000 pregnancy terminations, have been fully collected and are presently under analysis. They were gathered from January to October 1961 by a team of specially-trained female interviewers employing a standard questionnaire, making home visitations, and being directly supervised by the present author;2) The reporting has been practically consistent both within and between populations throughout the whole field work. Biased contribution both from the interviewers and the informants was probably negligible. The collection of the data was not subject to any subjective factor related to problems of radiation effect.3) The interviewers came from the same socio-economic level from which the majority of the people interviewed belong. They were rather familiar with the region and had a perfect understanding of the culture of the people.4) A checking survey was performed to estimate the reliability of the data, with good results.5) No propaganda or publicity has been made preceding or during the field work. This reduced the probability that people and the field work team knew o our interest in radiation problems.6) Although efforts were made to have good descriptions of the abnormalities, and good information on the causes of deaths, unfortunately accurate diagnosis was not possible.7) Cultural and religious practices probably do not affect differently reproduction in the radioactive and control areas, and socio-economic conditions seem to be roughly similar.8) It is difficult to know the cumulative radiation dose to the parents of the individuals analyzed (an attempt regarding this point will be made when the data are analyzed). The mean individuals living in the control, intermediate and radioactive areas are probably subject to minimal gonad-doses of about 2, 3, and 7 r in a 30-year period, respectively.9) No attempt was made to study the influence of radiation on the rate of mutation at specific loci, but an analysis will be made of the genetic characteristics of the populations assumed to be conditioned or influenced by mutations at many loci.10) As has been duly pointed out in this paper, the “Projeto Espírito Santo” (PES) was not specifically planned to demonstrate, with conclusive results, the genetic effect of natural radiation. Although some positive result is possible, it is highly improbable.