Online Instruction in the Face of the COVID-19 Crisis: Cross-Cultural Examination of Early Childhood and Elementary Teachers' Practices

• In Event: Educational Change at a Time of Crisis

Abstract

This research’s purpose was to study the experiences of early childhood and elementary teachers’ in the U.S. and Turkey as they transitioned to different modes of instruction during COVID-19 school closings. The researchers focused on the modes of teaching, support the teachers received, assessment, meeting the needs of students with special needs and parental involvement. The researchers used a semi-structured survey instrument. 98 early and elementary teachers from Turkey and 155 educators from Northeastern U.S. responded to the survey. Results showed that teachers in the US and Turkey had very similar experiences in all the aforementioned areas. These results bring to light areas the teachers need help with to be better prepared for such transitions in the future.

Authors

• Saigeetha Jambunathan, New Jersey City University

• Jale Aldemir, Coppin State University

• Zerrin Bolukbasi-Macit, Eskisehir Osmangazi University