Development of the Paulinian Flexible Learning Model for instructional delivery in the time of COVID-19: A Design Thinking Approach

The study aimed to develop a Paulinian flexible learning model that will facilitate the delivery of off-campus instruction in St. Paul University Manila while the students are not allowed to return to the university for face-to-face instruction. To do so, the research sought to uncover the learning experiences of the students during the community quarantine period, determine their connectivity status, learning preferences, and online practices. The study used a sequential four-phase mixed research design. The study, following the first four phases of the Design Thinking Approach, conducted a preliminary survey of conveniently sampled students and teachers from different colleges to navigate areas of concern related to the ongoing online delivery of pandemic-interrupted courses. Based on the results of the preliminary survey, the researchers constructed an expanded survey questionnaire that looked at the connectivity status, learning preferences, and learning schedule. It was administered online to conveniently sampled 311 out of 396 (or 78.5% of) currently enrolled undergraduate students across five colleges in St. Paul University Manila during the next block of course schedules. Thereafter, the data were analyzed and interpreted, and different models were proposed and reflected on by concerned administrators. Once the flexible learning model was finalized, it was implemented, and appropriate tools were developed to appropriate the model in the last set of courses in the second semester.