Teaching in Times of Crises: Examining COVID-19 Remote Teaching Challenges

• In Event: What "Unprecedented" Actually Looks Like: Teachers and Teaching During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This phenomenological study examined the challenges that teachers faced during the COVID-19 remote teaching. Thirteen P-12 teachers were drawn from mostly urban and rural districts in northeast USA. Using critical sociocultural theory and critical digital pedagogy as theoretical frames, data were collected from interviews, surveys, and teachers’ reflections. Data were analyzed using grounded theory. Findings indicated that technology challenge which exposed equity and access issues impacted teaching and learning the most. Other challenges included low level of student engagement, adapting to remote teaching, attending to social emotional needs of students and families, among others. Highlighting teachers’ challenges will help various stakeholders better prepare teachers for future remote teaching as well as rethink P-12 education as occurring mainly in brick-and-mortar spaces.

Authors

• Chinwe H. Ikpeze, Saint John Fisher College

• Susan M. Schultz, Saint John Fisher College