Teachers’ experiences of online teaching in English as a second language classes during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly altered the conventional face-to-face to a new modality of teaching and learning, all across the globe. Several changes have occurred as the pandemic ran its course and became a challenge for the majority of teachers. In this regard, this study aimed to explore teachers’ experiences of online teaching in English as a Second Language (ESL) classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of the study indicated that although others were getting accustomed to the use of technology in the teaching–learning process, the majority of language teachers expressed that online teaching has several limitations, such as access to the Internet and ownership of technological devices, classroom management in terms of low students’ participation and teachers’ readiness to facilitate online teaching, which might affect their experience in teaching ESL online. Hence, the researchers recommend that as the present situation continues to challenge the quality of education during these trying times, educators should have additional training in technology and should be given enough resources and support to ensure positive outcomes for the students.

Keywords: Teaching experiences, online learning, English as a second language (ESL),   COVID-19 pandemic;