Learning Continues: Lived Experience of Slum Dweller-Learners Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The present study explored the reasons behind the resilience of slum dweller-learners that enabled them to face adverse life circumstances amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and helped them to fight back in the new normal class. This study employed qualitative in nature and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to gain insights into the various factors as perceived and reported by the slum dweller-learners from their own experiences. A sample of ten slum dwellerlearners was selected purposefully from different slum areas in the City of Calamba, whereas in Brgy. San Cristobal, Brgy. Banlic and Brgy. Paciano Rizal. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the slum dweller-learners. The interviews were recorded and transcribed for further analysis. Ten major themes; living environment and status, dealing with the 'normal' education, emotions in the new education system, learning condition in the new normal, dealing with module distance learning, barriers towards effective learning, promptness in module submission, aid in learning, guardian-teachers communication and learner's readiness for the next grade level. Based on the consolidated results and reflections, the infographics tips were proposed to cope up to the new normal class. This infographics consisted of helpful tips for learners, teachers and parents. Inspirational quotes that can boost their moral, a short stories that related to their current situations and tips that can give them a motivation during this time of pandemic

Keywords: Slum Dweller-Learners, Modular Distance Learning, COVID-19 Pandemic

JEL Classification: I25, I31