Improving The University's Independent Learning Materials for Distance Learning

This research study intends to assess the current developed independent learning materials (ILM) and to suggest improvement in the process of developing the independent learning materials for mathematics courses. This study used the descriptive research design and involved 365 randomly selected college students who were enrolled in the course Mathematics in the Modern World in the first semester of academic year 2020-2021. Based on various studies, a 22-item researcher-made questionnaire was constructed to gather the students’ feedback regarding the independent learning material’s content, quality of teaching and learning, learner support, assessment, and feedback. Results of the study revealed that module content was relevant to the students’ degree program and it contain updated information that enable the students to learn the most important and recent information about the subject matter. In terms of module teaching and learning, the study also discloses that the instructors/professors were good at explaining things related to the module, have made the subject matter interesting and engaging to increase students’ drive for learning. Furthermore, the study shows that in terms of module support, the instructors/professors can easily be contacted when students have concerns or clarifications on the lesson. Likewise, for the module assessment and feedback, the provided assessment requirements and marking criteria were clear and understandable to the students. Generally, the respondents are satisfied on the quality of the developed module assuring that every aspect of learners’ needs and chances for academic progress were given attention and consideration. The main strengths of the independent learning material (ILM) are the organized pattern of lessons, accuracy of the indicated contents and even the feedback and assessments were served its purpose. However, it was found out that the weaknesses are limited number of provided examples for each given topic, as well as the font style and size used in the ILM need to be considered upon revising.