Teaching Experiences of Elementary School Teachers: An Analysis in the Post-COVID Era
Abstract
The research provides a deeper understanding of the varied in-person teaching experiences of elementary school teachers in the post-COVID Era. Under this main objective, it explored the teaching styles, views, and attitude of elementary school teachers towards teaching post-COVID-19. It also explores the technological transformation undergone by the teachers and the most preferred teaching modes (face-to-face, online, and blended) used by elementary school teachers in India after returning to the classroom, post-COVID-19. A mixed-method research approach was used to answer the research questions. The technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) framework and Bandura self-efficacy theory were used as conceptual frameworks in the research. The TPACK framework emphasizes the development of pedagogical practices in educators with the use of technological tools and Bandura's self-efficacy theory helps to study the teaching preparation and experiences of elementary school teachers after COVID-19. Research findings revealed that the majority of elementary school teachers have adopted varied teaching styles, and have an overall positive view and attitude towards teaching in the post-pandemic world. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference in the overall teaching style, views, and attitude of elementary school teachers in terms of demographic data such as age, gender, educational qualifications, work experience, and experience with ICT. Hence, gender as a variable does not affect the teaching style of elementary school teachers in the post-COVID Era. As well, it was revealed that half of the teachers prefer a blended mode of teaching, and remaining teachers preferred face-to-face teaching post-pandemic. Lastly, the teachers expressed that they attended various professional development training to improve their knowledge of technology, provided to them by their institution and the government of India. The overall teaching experience of elementary teachers post-COVID-19 is positive, but they are experiencing a few challenges such as increased workload and stress. This research provides insight into real-time teaching experiences of elementary teachers after the pandemic.
Keywords: Post COVID-19, teacher experiences, digital technology, teaching modes, views and attitude towards teaching, teaching style, technological enhancement.