Impact of COVID-19 on Teaching and Learning: Perspectives of South African University Lecturers

Abstract

This study sought the perspectives of South African lecturers on the impact of COVID-19 on teaching and learning. In this study, 28 university teachers in three South African provinces were interviewed using a qualitative research method and phenomenological case study design. Utilizing a series of verified interviews, qualitative data were gathered. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data that were gathered. According to the study's findings, faculty members in the field of education viewed COVID-19's plan to allow them to work from home as a bad development since it left them psychologically spent and had a detrimental impact on their ability to teach and learn. Additionally, the study participants claimed that the distractions brought on by household duties caused working from home to impair their academic output. In conclusion, COVID-19 had a detrimental influence on efficient teaching and learning in South African universities. In order to prevent a repeat of this unfavorable effect of COVID-19 in the future, it was advised that a suitable online learning platform be set up.