Exploring English Teachers’ Attitudes and Perceptions of Online Classes: Based on the Teachers’ Experiences

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore Korean English teachers’ attitudes and perceptions of online classes during the pandemic, based on their experiences with online classes. The following questions were constructed; 1) What skills should the English teachers be equipped for online classes? 2) How have they perceived online classes during the pandemic? 3) What kinds of online class can be most effective for learning? Six middle and high school English teachers participated in this study. The survey questionnaire, in-depth interviews, and the researcher’s journal were collected and analyzed. A thematic analysis approach was employed to explore the characteristics of online classes. According to the findings, the teachers considered computer-handling technology the most important skill to provide online classes effectively. Also they expressed mixed attitudes toward online classes, commenting the advantages and disadvantages of online classes. Lastly, they turned out to have similar opinions on which method would be the most effective online class, pointing out real-time classes would be the most effective one. Based on these results, implications for language teaching and learning are suggested.