Evolving Roles of Post-Pandemic EFL Teachers and Students: Student Learning and Assessment
Year 2024,
Volume: 10 Issue: 2, 560 - 576, 29.10.2024
Duygu İşpınar Akçayoğlu
,
Ömer Özer
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had substantial and persistent impacts on pedagogical methodologies and student assessment practices. This study provides an overview of language educators’ perceptions of the post-pandemic era, synthesizing the factors that undermine the effectiveness of student learning and assessment in online and face-to-face classrooms. Additionally, it offers insight into the potential opportunities and challenges associated with teaching and learning in the future. For this purpose, views of 15 English language teachers affiliated in a school of foreign languages were obtained through an online survey. The participants provided answers to the questions by comparing their practices before, during, and after the pandemic. Data collected were subjected to content analysis. Findings revealed that the sudden transition to online education brought many challenges and uncertainties that affected mostly assessment processes and interactions negatively, which caused serious concerns in students’ actual performance and fairness of the scores.
Ethical Statement
The ethics committee approval has been obtained for the current study: ATÜ Bilimsel Araştırma ve Yayın Etiği Kurulu, 05.09.2023, and Decision Number: 05/5.
References
- Abduh, M. Y. M. (2021). Full-time online assessment during COVID-19 lockdown: EFL teachers’ perceptions. Asian EFL Journal, 28(1), 26-46.
- Adams, D., Sumintono, B., Mohamed, A., & Mohamad, Noor, N. S. (2018). E-learning readiness among students of diverse backgrounds in a leading Malaysian higher education institution. Malaysian Journal of Learning and Instruction, 15(2), 227-256. https://doi.org/10.32890/mjli2018.15.2.9
- Al Shlowiy, A., Al-Hoorie, A. H., & Alharbi, M. (2021). Discrepancy between language learners and teachers concerns about emergency remote teaching. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 37(6), 1528-1538. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.12543
- Atmojo, A. E. P., & Nugroho, A. (2020). EFL classes must go online! Teaching activities and challenges during COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. Register Journal, 13(1), 49-76. https://doi.org/10.18326/rgt.v13i1.49-76
- Awajan, N. W. (2023). The effect of implementing technology in formative assessments to ensure student learning in higher education English literature courses after COVID-19. Online Journal of Communication and Media Technologies, 13(2), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.30935/ojcmt/13049
- Bao, W. (2020). COVID‐19 and online teaching in higher education: A case study of Peking University. Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies, 2(2), 113-115. https://doi.org/10.1002/hbe2.191
- Barrot, J. S., Llenares, I. I., & del Rosario, L. S. (2021). Students’ online learning challenges during the pandemic and how they cope with them: The case of the Philippines. Education and Information Technologies, 26, 7321–7338. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-021-10589-x
- Beaumont, C., O’Doherty, M., & Shannon, L. (2011). Reconceptualising assessment feedback: a key to improving student learning? Studies in Higher Education, 36(6), 671–687. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075071003731135
- Bilen, E., & Matros, A. (2021). Online cheating amid COVID-19, Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, 182, 196-211. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jebo.2020.12.004
- Clark, T. M., Callam, C. S., Paul, N. M., Stoltzfus, M. W., & Turner, D. (2020). Testing in the time of COVID-19: A sudden transition to unproctored online exams. Journal of Chemical Education, 97(9), 3413–3417. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.0c00546
- Dişlen Dağgöl, G., & İşpınar Akçayoğlu, D. (2023). From emergency remote teaching to remote online education: challenges, benefits and differences in EFL setting. Kastamonu Education Journal, 31(1), 48-59. https://doi.org/10.24106/kefdergi.1243546
- Fatmawati, A., Purnawarman, P., & Sukyadi, D. (2021). Formative assessment and self-regulated learning during pandemic era. Tell: Teaching of English Language and Literature Journal, 9(2), 72-85. https://doi.org/10.30651/tell.v9i2.9305
- Ferri, F., Grifoni, P., & Guzzo, T. (2020). Online learning and emergency remote teaching: Opportunities and challenges in emergency situations. Societies, 10(4), 72-85. https://doi.org/10.3390/soc10040086
- Gallardo-Echenique, E. E., Marqu´es-Molías, L., Bullen, M., & Strijbos, J-W. (2015). Let’s talk about digital learners in the digital era. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 16(3), 156-187. https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v16i3.2196
- Gherheș, V., Stoian, C. E., Fărcașiu, M. A., & Stanici, M. (2021). E-learning vs. face-to-face learning: analyzing students’ preferences and behaviors. Sustainability, 13(8), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084381
- Gupta, T., Shree, A., Chanda, P., & Banerjee, A. (2023). Online assessment techniques adopted by the university teachers amidst COVID-19 pandemic: A case study. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2023.100579
- Hajar, A., & Manan S. A. (2022). Emergency remote English language teaching and learning: voices of primary school students and teachers in Kazakhstan. Review of Education, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.1002/rev3.3358
- Hodges, C., Moore, S., Lockee, B., Trust, T., & Bond, A. (2020). The difference between emergency remote teaching and online learning, EDUCAUSE Review, 27. https://er.educause.edu/articles/2020/3/the-diference-between-emergency-remote-teaching-and-online-learning
- Ispinar Akcayoglu, D. (2023). English language teachers perceived technological pedagogical and content knowledge following emergency distance education’, In Ö. Özer & C. Yükselir (eds.), Teaching in online and blended learning environments: Emerging trends in English language teaching, Nobel Akademik, pp. 37-56.
- İşpınar Akçayoğlu, D., Özer, Ö., & Efeoğlu, İ. E. (2019). English-medium instruction in a state university and students’ English self-efficacy beliefs. Cumhuriyet International Journal of Education, 8(3), 651-669.
- Kohnke, L. & Zou, D. (2021). Reflecting on existing English for academic purposes practices: Lessons for the post-COVID classroom. Sustainability, 13(20), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011520
- Jensen, L. X., Bearman, M., & Boud, D. (2021). Understanding feedback in online learning – A critical review and metaphor analysis. Computers & Education, 173, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2021.104271
- Jeong, K-O. (2023). Integrating technology into language teaching practice in the post-COVID-19 pandemic digital age: from a Korean English as a Foreign Language context. RELC Journal, 54(2), 394-409. https://doi.org/10.1177/00336882231186431
- Karakaş, A. (2023). Translanguaging in content-based EMI classes through the lens of Turkish students: Self-reported practices, functions and orientations. Linguistics and Education, 77, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.linged.2023.101221
- Kemp, N., & Grieve, R. (2014). Face-to-face or face-to-screen? Undergraduates' opinions and test performance in classroom vs. online learning. Frontiers in Psychology, 5, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01278
- Khaerani, N. S., Lintangsari, A. P., & Gayatri, P. (2023). EFL students’ learning engagement in the post pandemic era. JEELS (Journal of English Education and Linguistics Studies), 10(1), 119-148. https://doi.org/10.30762/jeels.v10i1.869
- Kohnke, L., & Zou, D. (2021). Reflecting on existing English for Academic Purposes practices: Lessons for the post-COVID classroom. Sustainability, 13(20), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011520
- Koris, R., & Pal, A. (2021). Fostering learners’ involvement in the assessment process during the COVID-19 pandemic: Perspectives of university language and communication teachers across the globe. Journal of University Teaching & Learning Practice, 18(5), 10-20. https://doi.org/10.53761/1.18.5.11
- Lee, W., & Ng, S. (2010). Reducing student reticence through teacher interaction strategy. ELT Journal, 64(3), 302-313. https://doi.org/10.1093/elt/ccp080
- Luthfiyyah, R., Aisyah, A., & Sulistyo, G. H. (2021). Technology-enhanced formative assessment in higher education: A voice from Indonesian EFL teachers. EduLite: Journal of English Education, Literature and Culture, 6(1), 42-54. https://doi.org/10.30659/e.6.1.42-54
- McDonough, K. (2004). Learner-learner interaction during pair and small group activities in a Thai EFL context. System, 32(2), 207-224. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2004.01.003
- Moorhouse, B. L., Li, Y., & Walsh, S. (2023). E-classroom interactional competencies: Mediating and assisting language learning during synchronous online lessons. RELC Journal, 54(1), 114-128. https://doi.org/10.1177/0033688220985274
- Morris, R., Perry, T., & Wardle, L. (2021). Formative assessment and feedback for learning in higher education: A systematic review. Review of Education, 9(3), 1-26. https://doi.org/10.1002/rev3.3292
- Nguyen, H. T. T. (2023). Unproctored assignment-based assessment in higher education online: Stakeholder evaluation of issues. Issues in Educational Research, 33(1), 207-226.
- Ni Fhloinn, E., & Fitzmaurice, O. (2021). Challenges and opportunities: experiences of mathematics lecturers engaged in emergency remote teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mathematics, 9(18). https://doi.org/10.3390/math9182303
- Ozer, O. (2020). Lecturers’ experiences with English-medium instruction in a state university in Turkey: Practices and challenges. Issues in Educational Research, 30(2), 612-634.
- Ozer, O., & Badem, N. (2022). Student motivation and academic achievement in online EFL classes at the tertiary level. LEARN Journal: Language Education and Acquisition Research Network, 15(1), 361-382.
- Özer, Ö. & Yükselir, C. (2023). What works in online learning: A meta-synthesis of factors impacting university students’ interaction, In Ö. Özer & C. Yükselir (Eds.), Teaching in online and blended learning environments: Emerging trends in English language teaching (pp. 73-84), Nobel Akademik.
- Pelikan, E. R., Lüftenegger, M., Holzer, J., Korlat, S., Spiel, C., & Schober, B. (2021). Learning during COVID-19: the role of self-regulated learning, motivation, and procrastination for perceived competence. Zeitschrift Fur Erziehungswissenschaft, 24, 393-418. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11618-021-01002-x
- Selvi, A. F. (2019). Qualitative content analysis, In J. McKinley & H. Rose (Eds.), The Routledge Handbook of Research Methods in Applied Linguistics (pp. 440-452), Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780367824471-37
- Smith, J. A., & Osborne, M. (2003). Interpretative phenomenological analysis, In J. A. Smith (Ed.), Qualitative psychology: A practical guide to research methods (pp. 51-80), Sage.
- Sunar, A., Yükseltürk, E., & Duru, İ. (2022). Analysis on use of open educational resources during emergency remote education due to Covid-19: a case study in Turkey. SAGE Open, 12(4), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440221130299
- Trust, T., & Whalen, J. (2020). Should teachers be trained in emergency remote teaching?: Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, 28(2), 189-199.
- Vellanki, S. S., Mond, S., & Khan, Z. K. (2023). Promoting Academic integrity in remote/online assessment-EFL teachers' perspectives. TESL-EJ, 26(4). https://doi.org/10.55593/ej.26104a7
- Xianghan Christine, O. D., & Stern, J. (2022). Virtually the same?: Online higher education in the post Covid‐19 era. British Journal of Educational Technology, 53(1), 437-442. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.13211
Evolving Roles of Post-Pandemic EFL Teachers and Students: Student Learning and Assessment
Year 2024,
Volume: 10 Issue: 2, 560 - 576, 29.10.2024
Duygu İşpınar Akçayoğlu
,
Ömer Özer
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had substantial and persistent impacts on pedagogical methodologies and student assessment practices. This study provides an overview of language educators’ perceptions of the post-pandemic era, synthesizing the factors that undermine the effectiveness of student learning and assessment in online and face-to-face classrooms. Additionally, it offers insight into the potential opportunities and challenges associated with teaching and learning in the future. For this purpose, views of 15 English language teachers affiliated in a school of foreign languages were obtained through an online survey. The participants provided answers to the questions by comparing their practices before, during, and after the pandemic. Data collected were subjected to content analysis. Findings revealed that the sudden transition to online education brought many challenges and uncertainties that affected mostly assessment processes and interactions negatively, which caused serious concerns in students’ actual performance and fairness of the scores.
Ethical Statement
The ethics committee approval has been obtained for the current study: ATÜ Bilimsel Araştırma ve Yayın Etiği Kurulu, 05.09.2023, and Decision Number: 05/5.
References
- Abduh, M. Y. M. (2021). Full-time online assessment during COVID-19 lockdown: EFL teachers’ perceptions. Asian EFL Journal, 28(1), 26-46.
- Adams, D., Sumintono, B., Mohamed, A., & Mohamad, Noor, N. S. (2018). E-learning readiness among students of diverse backgrounds in a leading Malaysian higher education institution. Malaysian Journal of Learning and Instruction, 15(2), 227-256. https://doi.org/10.32890/mjli2018.15.2.9
- Al Shlowiy, A., Al-Hoorie, A. H., & Alharbi, M. (2021). Discrepancy between language learners and teachers concerns about emergency remote teaching. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 37(6), 1528-1538. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.12543
- Atmojo, A. E. P., & Nugroho, A. (2020). EFL classes must go online! Teaching activities and challenges during COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. Register Journal, 13(1), 49-76. https://doi.org/10.18326/rgt.v13i1.49-76
- Awajan, N. W. (2023). The effect of implementing technology in formative assessments to ensure student learning in higher education English literature courses after COVID-19. Online Journal of Communication and Media Technologies, 13(2), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.30935/ojcmt/13049
- Bao, W. (2020). COVID‐19 and online teaching in higher education: A case study of Peking University. Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies, 2(2), 113-115. https://doi.org/10.1002/hbe2.191
- Barrot, J. S., Llenares, I. I., & del Rosario, L. S. (2021). Students’ online learning challenges during the pandemic and how they cope with them: The case of the Philippines. Education and Information Technologies, 26, 7321–7338. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-021-10589-x
- Beaumont, C., O’Doherty, M., & Shannon, L. (2011). Reconceptualising assessment feedback: a key to improving student learning? Studies in Higher Education, 36(6), 671–687. https://doi.org/10.1080/03075071003731135
- Bilen, E., & Matros, A. (2021). Online cheating amid COVID-19, Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, 182, 196-211. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jebo.2020.12.004
- Clark, T. M., Callam, C. S., Paul, N. M., Stoltzfus, M. W., & Turner, D. (2020). Testing in the time of COVID-19: A sudden transition to unproctored online exams. Journal of Chemical Education, 97(9), 3413–3417. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jchemed.0c00546
- Dişlen Dağgöl, G., & İşpınar Akçayoğlu, D. (2023). From emergency remote teaching to remote online education: challenges, benefits and differences in EFL setting. Kastamonu Education Journal, 31(1), 48-59. https://doi.org/10.24106/kefdergi.1243546
- Fatmawati, A., Purnawarman, P., & Sukyadi, D. (2021). Formative assessment and self-regulated learning during pandemic era. Tell: Teaching of English Language and Literature Journal, 9(2), 72-85. https://doi.org/10.30651/tell.v9i2.9305
- Ferri, F., Grifoni, P., & Guzzo, T. (2020). Online learning and emergency remote teaching: Opportunities and challenges in emergency situations. Societies, 10(4), 72-85. https://doi.org/10.3390/soc10040086
- Gallardo-Echenique, E. E., Marqu´es-Molías, L., Bullen, M., & Strijbos, J-W. (2015). Let’s talk about digital learners in the digital era. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 16(3), 156-187. https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v16i3.2196
- Gherheș, V., Stoian, C. E., Fărcașiu, M. A., & Stanici, M. (2021). E-learning vs. face-to-face learning: analyzing students’ preferences and behaviors. Sustainability, 13(8), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084381
- Gupta, T., Shree, A., Chanda, P., & Banerjee, A. (2023). Online assessment techniques adopted by the university teachers amidst COVID-19 pandemic: A case study. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2023.100579
- Hajar, A., & Manan S. A. (2022). Emergency remote English language teaching and learning: voices of primary school students and teachers in Kazakhstan. Review of Education, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.1002/rev3.3358
- Hodges, C., Moore, S., Lockee, B., Trust, T., & Bond, A. (2020). The difference between emergency remote teaching and online learning, EDUCAUSE Review, 27. https://er.educause.edu/articles/2020/3/the-diference-between-emergency-remote-teaching-and-online-learning
- Ispinar Akcayoglu, D. (2023). English language teachers perceived technological pedagogical and content knowledge following emergency distance education’, In Ö. Özer & C. Yükselir (eds.), Teaching in online and blended learning environments: Emerging trends in English language teaching, Nobel Akademik, pp. 37-56.
- İşpınar Akçayoğlu, D., Özer, Ö., & Efeoğlu, İ. E. (2019). English-medium instruction in a state university and students’ English self-efficacy beliefs. Cumhuriyet International Journal of Education, 8(3), 651-669.
- Kohnke, L. & Zou, D. (2021). Reflecting on existing English for academic purposes practices: Lessons for the post-COVID classroom. Sustainability, 13(20), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011520
- Jensen, L. X., Bearman, M., & Boud, D. (2021). Understanding feedback in online learning – A critical review and metaphor analysis. Computers & Education, 173, 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2021.104271
- Jeong, K-O. (2023). Integrating technology into language teaching practice in the post-COVID-19 pandemic digital age: from a Korean English as a Foreign Language context. RELC Journal, 54(2), 394-409. https://doi.org/10.1177/00336882231186431
- Karakaş, A. (2023). Translanguaging in content-based EMI classes through the lens of Turkish students: Self-reported practices, functions and orientations. Linguistics and Education, 77, 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.linged.2023.101221
- Kemp, N., & Grieve, R. (2014). Face-to-face or face-to-screen? Undergraduates' opinions and test performance in classroom vs. online learning. Frontiers in Psychology, 5, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01278
- Khaerani, N. S., Lintangsari, A. P., & Gayatri, P. (2023). EFL students’ learning engagement in the post pandemic era. JEELS (Journal of English Education and Linguistics Studies), 10(1), 119-148. https://doi.org/10.30762/jeels.v10i1.869
- Kohnke, L., & Zou, D. (2021). Reflecting on existing English for Academic Purposes practices: Lessons for the post-COVID classroom. Sustainability, 13(20), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.3390/su132011520
- Koris, R., & Pal, A. (2021). Fostering learners’ involvement in the assessment process during the COVID-19 pandemic: Perspectives of university language and communication teachers across the globe. Journal of University Teaching & Learning Practice, 18(5), 10-20. https://doi.org/10.53761/1.18.5.11
- Lee, W., & Ng, S. (2010). Reducing student reticence through teacher interaction strategy. ELT Journal, 64(3), 302-313. https://doi.org/10.1093/elt/ccp080
- Luthfiyyah, R., Aisyah, A., & Sulistyo, G. H. (2021). Technology-enhanced formative assessment in higher education: A voice from Indonesian EFL teachers. EduLite: Journal of English Education, Literature and Culture, 6(1), 42-54. https://doi.org/10.30659/e.6.1.42-54
- McDonough, K. (2004). Learner-learner interaction during pair and small group activities in a Thai EFL context. System, 32(2), 207-224. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.system.2004.01.003
- Moorhouse, B. L., Li, Y., & Walsh, S. (2023). E-classroom interactional competencies: Mediating and assisting language learning during synchronous online lessons. RELC Journal, 54(1), 114-128. https://doi.org/10.1177/0033688220985274
- Morris, R., Perry, T., & Wardle, L. (2021). Formative assessment and feedback for learning in higher education: A systematic review. Review of Education, 9(3), 1-26. https://doi.org/10.1002/rev3.3292
- Nguyen, H. T. T. (2023). Unproctored assignment-based assessment in higher education online: Stakeholder evaluation of issues. Issues in Educational Research, 33(1), 207-226.
- Ni Fhloinn, E., & Fitzmaurice, O. (2021). Challenges and opportunities: experiences of mathematics lecturers engaged in emergency remote teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mathematics, 9(18). https://doi.org/10.3390/math9182303
- Ozer, O. (2020). Lecturers’ experiences with English-medium instruction in a state university in Turkey: Practices and challenges. Issues in Educational Research, 30(2), 612-634.
- Ozer, O., & Badem, N. (2022). Student motivation and academic achievement in online EFL classes at the tertiary level. LEARN Journal: Language Education and Acquisition Research Network, 15(1), 361-382.
- Özer, Ö. & Yükselir, C. (2023). What works in online learning: A meta-synthesis of factors impacting university students’ interaction, In Ö. Özer & C. Yükselir (Eds.), Teaching in online and blended learning environments: Emerging trends in English language teaching (pp. 73-84), Nobel Akademik.
- Pelikan, E. R., Lüftenegger, M., Holzer, J., Korlat, S., Spiel, C., & Schober, B. (2021). Learning during COVID-19: the role of self-regulated learning, motivation, and procrastination for perceived competence. Zeitschrift Fur Erziehungswissenschaft, 24, 393-418. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11618-021-01002-x
- Selvi, A. F. (2019). Qualitative content analysis, In J. McKinley & H. Rose (Eds.), The Routledge Handbook of Research Methods in Applied Linguistics (pp. 440-452), Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780367824471-37
- Smith, J. A., & Osborne, M. (2003). Interpretative phenomenological analysis, In J. A. Smith (Ed.), Qualitative psychology: A practical guide to research methods (pp. 51-80), Sage.
- Sunar, A., Yükseltürk, E., & Duru, İ. (2022). Analysis on use of open educational resources during emergency remote education due to Covid-19: a case study in Turkey. SAGE Open, 12(4), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440221130299
- Trust, T., & Whalen, J. (2020). Should teachers be trained in emergency remote teaching?: Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, 28(2), 189-199.
- Vellanki, S. S., Mond, S., & Khan, Z. K. (2023). Promoting Academic integrity in remote/online assessment-EFL teachers' perspectives. TESL-EJ, 26(4). https://doi.org/10.55593/ej.26104a7
- Xianghan Christine, O. D., & Stern, J. (2022). Virtually the same?: Online higher education in the post Covid‐19 era. British Journal of Educational Technology, 53(1), 437-442. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.13211