HomeJournal of Interdisciplinary Perspectivesvol. 2 no. 7 (2024)

Authentic Assessment of Modular Distance Learning: Basis for Instructional Materials Development in Agriculture

Alexander Morados

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

Assessment can be viewed as a way to measure the process, the progress, and the product of learning. However, it is a complex concept within the teaching-learning process especially if it is implemented with the absence of face-to-face instruction. As observed, faculty members who are implementing modular distance learning (MDL) modality are confronted with the challenges of proper utilization of authentic assessment tools in Agriculture. Hence, this study sought the utilization of authentic assessment in Agriculture by Faculty members of state colleges in Northern Mindanao, Philippines in the academic year 2020-2021 and 2021-2022. This study employed a mixed-method research design to gather both quantitative and qualitative data from 139 participants who were given survey questionnaires in digital and print format. A focus group discussion (FGD) of 10 randomly selected participants was conducted virtually to find similarities in the participants’ opinions. Results revealed that the faculty members had positive perceptions of authentic assessment. However, most of them faced several challenges in the process of utilizing the assessment tools in terms of preparation, delivery, and evaluation. These challenges were used as a basis for the formulation of a handbook of authentic assessment.



References:

  1. 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. DOI:10.3390/educsci12070449
  2. Commission on Higher Education Memorandum Order N. 20 s. 2020. Higher Education Learning Continuity Plan. CHED Manila, Philippines
  3. Commission on Higher Education Memorandum Order No. 46, s. 2012. Policy Standards to Enhance Quality Assurance in Philippine Higher Education through Outcomes-Based and Typology-Based QA. CHED, Manila, Philippines.
  4. Dargo, J., & Dimas, M. (2021). Modular distance learning: Its effect on the academic performance of learners in the new normal. Journal of Education, Teaching and Learning, 6(2), 204-208. DOI:10.26737/jetl.v6i2.2672
  5. Herrington, J., & Oliver, R. (2000). An instructional design framework for authentic learning environments. Educational Technology Research and Development.
  6. Jou, Y. T., Mariñas, K. A., & Saflor, C. S. (2022). Assessing cognitive factors of modular distance learning of K-12 students amidst the COVID-19 pandemic towards academic achievements and satisfaction. Behavioral Sciences, 12(7), 200. DOI:10.3390/bs/12070200
  7. Koh, K., Delanoy, N., Thomas, C., Bene, R., Chapman, O., Turner, J., ... & Hone, G. (2019). The role of authentic assessment tasks in problem-based learning. Papers on Postsecondary Learning and Teaching, 3, 17-24. DOI https://doi.org/10.11575/pplt.v3i1.53144
  8. Lave, J. & Wenger, E. (1991). Situated learning. Cambridge University Press.
  9. Sabri, M., Retnawati, H., & Fitriatunisyah (2019). The implementation of authentic assessment in mathematics learning. Journal of Physics 1200.
  10. Saher, A. S., Ali, A. M. J., Amani, D., & Najwan, F. (2022). Traditional Versus Authentic Assessments in Higher Education. Pegem Journal of Education and Instruction, 12(1), 283-291. DOI:10.47750/pegegog.12.01.29
  11. Salamuddin, A. A. (2021). Comparative analysis of students’ perceptions in modular distance learning approach versus face-to-face learning approach of Mindanao State University–Sulu. Open Access Indonesia Journal of Social Sciences, 4(4), 395-407. https://doi.org/10.37275/oaijss.v4i2.57
  12. Schultz, M., Young, K., K. Gunning, T., & Harvey, M. L. (2022). Defining and measuring authentic assessment: a case study in the context of tertiary science. Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 47(1), 77-94. https://doi.org/10.1080/02602938.2021.1887811
  13. Sewagegn, A. A. & Diale, B. M. (2020). Authentic Assessment as a Tool to Enhance Student Learning in a Higher Education Institution: Implication for Student Competency. In E. Railean (Ed.), Assessment, Testing, and Measurement Strategies in Global Higher Education (pp. 256-271). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-2314-8.ch013
  14. 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. DOI: https://doi.org/10.52006/main.v4i3.391
  15. Villarroel, V., Boud, D., Bloxham, S., Bruna, D., & Bruna, C. (2020). Using principles of authentic assessment to redesign written examinations and tests. Innovations in Education and Teaching International, 57(1), 38–49. https://doi.org/10.1080/14703297.2018.1564882
  16. Vogel, I. (2012). Review of the use of ‘theory of change’ in international development. UK Department for International Development (DFID).
  17. Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. (Edited by M. Cole, J. Scribner, V. John-Steiner, & E. Souberman). Harvard University Press.
  18. Wiggins, G. P., & McTighe, J. (2005). Understanding by design (2nd ed.). Pearson Education, Inc. Print.