Preparedness of SUCs in CALABARZON in the Implementation of Flexible Learning in the New Normal

Abstract

The study was an attempt to provide an assessment on the level of preparedness of state universities and colleges (SUCs) in CALABARZON in the implementation of flexible learning in the new normal. The study also looked into the significant differences between the perceived assessment of the faculty members and students on the SUC’s level of preparedness on the implementation of flexible learning in the new normal; priority areas/skills which the SUCs should consider and strategies which may be proposed in the implementation of flexible learning. This study utilized mix-method of research design. Responses were obtained using a researcher-made questionnaire and were interpreted using statistical tools such as Mean and Mann-Whitney U Test. The findings revealed that the level of preparedness of SUCs in CALABARZON in the implementation of Flexible Learning in the New Normal was verbally interpreted as “Prepared” as perceived by both faculty and student respondents. It was further revealed that there is a significant difference between the assessment of the faculty members and students on the SUC’s level of preparedness on the implementation of flexible learning in the new normal.  The corpus of data revealed 10 themes that account for the priority areas/skills vis a vis strategies for the implementation of flexible learning in the new normal from the perspectives of the faculty and students of SUCs in the region. The themes could be summarized into 10 thematic areas that are crucial in the implementation of flexible learning in the new normal: 1) student competency; 2) health and well-being; 3) student support and information; 4) course design; 5) pedagogy; 6) professional development; 7) assessment; 8) organization; 9) resources, and 10) school-community partnerships and linkages. These themes led to a knowledge creation of Flexible Learning Framework in the context of higher education in the new normal.  There is need for SUCs to strengthen the implementation of flexible learning that entails opportunities to reshape education; learning delivery and the operation of educational institutions.