Challenges faced by teachers during and after COVID-19 at primary level in Muzaffarabad city

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted primary teachers during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The closure of educational institutes brought numerous challenges for both students and teachers. The closure of schools, initiation of online classes, frequency of internet signals, and returns of students to schools brought challenges for teachers during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objectives: The study explores instructional and assessment strategies adopted by teachers during COVID-19 and the post-pandemic revival of the education system.

Method: This study is based on a qualitative research design, focusing on primary public and private schools in Muzaffarabad city. The researcher interviewed 15 selected primary teachers and employed thematic analysis to identify significant themes in the data.

Results: During the lockdown in Muzaffarabad city, where people were facing issues with internet accessibility and frequency, it was discovered that teachers used various platforms to communicate with students. However, WhatsApp proved to be the most effective platform. Teachers sent recorded lectures through WhatsApp, allowing students to revisit the lectures as often as needed. As schools reopened after COVID-19, teachers noticed that their students had forgotten most of what they had previously learned. Teachers used various remedial strategies to help struggling students get back on track.

Conclusion: Study’s findings provided teachers with first-hand experiences regarding their challenges during COVID-19 and their coping mechanism to get students back on track after COVID-19.