How Did the Teachers in Turkey Cope with the Problems During the Pandemic Period?

Abstract

The aim of this study is to explore the problems faced by secondary school teachers in distance education during the pandemic (COVID-19) period. The research has been carried out with phenomenological model which is one of the qualitative research methods aimed at determining the experiences of individuals as a result of their lives. The participants of this research consist of 15 teachers working in different branches in the 2020-2021 academic year and providing distance education during the pandemic period. Their ages range from 33 to 44. Working periods range from 8 to 21 years. Nine of the participants were female and six were male. The data obtained from the teachers participated in the study were collected using a semi-structured interview form. Content analysis showed some problems teachers faced such as low participation of the students in the lesson, insufficient equipment or lack of technical equipment, internet connection problems, low motivation among the students. It has been revealed that teachers try to overcome this situation by using messaging app, video conferencing software, email, portal of the ministry of education and video content.