scholarly journals Barriers and Enablers of Emergency Remote Education amid COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspectives of English Language Teachers

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 159-164
Author(s):  
Michael B Cahapay ◽  
Mark Gil P Labrador

The aim of this paper is to describe the barriers and enablers in emergency remote education from the views of language teachers amid COVID-19 pandemic. It involved eleven purposively sampled high school English language teachers in the Philippines during the school year 2021-2022. The qualitative data were processed using thematic analysis technique. The results revealed two superordinate themes: 1.) barriers of emergency remote English language education and 2.) enablers of emergency remote English language education. Under the first superordinate theme, barriers of remote emergency education, three subordinate themes emerged: 1.1.) problems in internet connection and materials; 1.2.) unfamiliarity with remote instructional design; and 1.3.) lack of skills in using remote technologies. Furthermore, under the second superordinate theme, enablers of remote emergency education, three subordinate themes were revealed: 2.1.) self-learning in using technology; 2.2.) instructional accommodations; and 2.3.) school and community support. These study outcomes provide practical insights that shape emergency remote education amid the current novel crisis. The barriers should be addressed, and the enablers should be cultivated, so that a successful remote English language education can be attained.

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 173-185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edgar Lucero ◽  
Katherin Roncancio-Castellanos

This article discusses English language pre-service teachers’ pedagogical practicum experiences. We compiled, from their teacher journals and group talks, the lived teaching experiences of a group of 34 pre-service teachers who were majoring in English language education at a private university in Bogota, Colombia. The analysis of their stories makes us realize that their first practicum experiences are full of feelings and emotions, and that their first teaching practices are based on their mentor teachers’ pieces of advice. These first experiences, in turn, develop the foundation upon which they build themselves as English language teachers.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 296-317
Author(s):  
Nur Ashiquin C. Alih ◽  
Abdul Halim Abdul Raof ◽  
Masdinah Alauyah Md. Yusof

Background and purpose: With rapid global development happening in the world today, the field of education has been awash with various change forces. In an effort to ensure its system is globally competitive, Malaysia has taken a step to align its English language education system to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). However, any change in policy is not without problems and challenges as studies have shown that challenges were inevitable and stakeholders’ buy-in on the new change is necessary. Hence, this study was undertaken to investigate the challenges faced by teachers in implementing the CEFR in Malaysian ESL classrooms, their belief on this new reform and their readiness to implement the CEFR.   Methodology: A mixed-method design was utilized with the use of questionnaire and semi structured interview as means for data collection. 365 English language teachers responded to the questionnaire while 15 English language teachers participated in interview sessions.   Findings: The data revealed five challenges namely teachers’ motivation, materials, time, students’ proficiency level and facilities. Despite facing multiple challenges, all teachers exhibited positive belief towards the adoption of the CEFR. The study also showed that although teachers were emotionally ready to accept the change, their cognitive readiness for change however is dependent upon three important facets namely time, collective effort and adequate materials.   Contributions: The study provides insights into the change in policy involving the CEFR implementation in the Malaysian English language education system which contributes to the scarce literature on the implementation of CEFR.   Keywords:  Policy implementation, challenges in policy change, teachers’ belief, Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), readiness for change.   Cite as: C. Alih, N. A., Abdul Raof, A. H., & Md. Yusof, M. A. (2021). Policy change implementation: The case of the CEFR in Malaysian ESL classrooms.  Journal of Nusantara Studies, 6(2), 296-317. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol6iss2pp296-317


Author(s):  
Abdul Hakim Ali Abdul Aziz ◽  
Radzuwan Ab Rasid ◽  
Wan Zhafirah Wan Zainudin

As Malaysia sets out to realise their plan of the English Language Education Reform, the adaptation and implementation of Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) is an obvious choice; however, creating a high-calibre teaching workforce to carry it out poses a significant challenge. This critical reflection article elucidates the implementation of CEFR in Malaysian Pre-, Primary and Secondary schools from the perspective of a National Master Trainer (NMT) who attended multiple courses by Cambridge English Super Trainers (CEST) before going on to train English language teachers using the Cascade Training Model. Based on the trainer’s experience, this article discusses the progress of the training, starting from CEST as the first tier, NMT as the second tier, and District Trainer (DT) as the third tier, until it reaches the teachers who will apply their knowledge and skills in the classroom. We conclude that despite the long and careful planning in terms of teacher training for the CEFR implementation, there are various aspects that need improvements, to better guarantee success in producing an English language programme along with international standards, as the plan dictates.


Author(s):  
Mohd Zulhilmi Che Had ◽  
Radzuwan Ab Rashid

This paper reviews the use of digital skills among teachers to teach English language lesson at schools in Malaysia. It starts by tracking the scenario of digital natives in Malaysia who are studying at school. Next, it reviews the government policies related to the integration of ICT in education especially in English language education as the government has invested a large amount of money to roll out the plan. This is followed by the discussion on teachers’ digital skills in conducting English language classes. It reveals that the barriers of ICT integration are the lack of system support and teachers’ reluctance to adopt the integration in English language lesson. This paper also reviews the courses of continuous professional development among language teachers as to deliver e-learning effectively. This paper concludes the ICT integration in English language lessons is vital and the teachers have to equip themselves with adequate digitals skills to meet digital natives’ expectations in learning English.


Author(s):  
Charlotte Fofo Lomotey

This study examined the views and opinions of Senior High School (SHS) English language teachers on critical pedagogy as well as its applicability in their classrooms. To achieve these objectives, 220 teachers of English were sampled to respond to a questionnaire, with 50 out of this number selected to take part in an interview. The data were subjected to statistical analysis using the SPSS and thematic analysis by a simple system of coding. Results suggest that teachers consider critical pedagogy as a viable alternative to the traditional teaching practice. Based on the results, it is suggested that it is important for teachers to practice democracy in the English language classroom in order for students to see themselves as valued members of the society who can practice education as freedom.


Author(s):  
Carlous Muluh Nkwetisama

The over 285 indigenous languages of Cameroon may be crushed by the English language. To ensure a sustainable linguistic ecological balance whose peace is undoubtedly threatened by the global imperialistic terrors of English colonialism, an overhaul of ELT practitioners is needed. The English language is taught and learned in Cameroon against a conflictual linguistic platform of French (the other official language of questionable equal status as English), Pidgin English and over 285 indigenous languages. Of these local languages, just about 40 are currently being used (taught) in education at the different levels of education in the country. The aim of this paper was to examine the English language politics, practices and teaching. It thereafter evaluated English language teachers’ perception of the so called English Language Teaching Tenets. It also aimed at assessing the functional load of English and it ascertained the extent to which it was threatening the development of local languages as well as effective access to education in Cameroon. 


Author(s):  
Jenny Ang Lu

This chapter aims to investigate how podcasts can be made to fit into the repertoire of resources utilized by teachers, especially in language education. It focuses on arming the language teacher with a fundamental knowledge of podcasting, centering on its potential applications in the classroom. Podcasts are ideal resources for language teachers, especially English language teachers, because almost all topics imaginable are now being treated in podcasts and the bulk of podcasts are recorded in English. Aside from making use of language-teaching podcasts, language teachers can also incorporate English language podcasts dealing with a wide range of issues to cater to the varying preferences of students. In addition to discussing these points, this chapter also provides suggestions for the practical incorporation of podcasts in language learning and teaching, both inside and outside the classroom. Two case studies demonstrating possible ways to use podcasts in an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) context are presented.


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