From Stuck in a Dark Tunnel to Shine New Light: Narrative Inquiry of Korean Early Childhood Practitioners During Pandemic

• In Event: Fairmont Roundtable Session Eighteen
  In Roundtable Session: Responding to Emerging Scientific and Societal Changes (Table 18)

Abstract

South Korea was one of a few countries in the world to face a major outbreak in the first phase. This study portrays the lived experiences of Korean early childhood practitioners striving to thrive during COVID-19 between 2020 and 2021. Through their narratives, their stories offer their reflections on their challenges, struggles, and lessons learned throughout the pandemic. Findings reveal that there were longstanding struggles and newly emerging challenges as time passed. This study sheds light on early childhood practitioners’ experiences of teaching during the unique and uncertain time of the pandemic, which can serve a valuable resource and offer in-depth understanding for future teaching.

Authors

• Kyoung Jin Kim, University of North Texas
  Presenting Author

• Min Kyung Han, Song-Mind Psychiatric Clinic
  Non-Presenting Author

• Ji-Hyang Sohn
  Non-Presenting Author

• Jeonghye Nah, University of North Texas
  Presenting Author