Learning about English language lecturers’ resilience: Identification of stress and coping strategies of open and distance learning (ODL)

Abstract

The sudden shift of tertiary teaching and learning environment due to the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak has provided great challenges to educators globally. The purpose of this case study is to identify the source of stress and its consequences among English language lecturers of a Malaysian public university teaching in the ODL environment during the Movement Control Order period as well as their coping strategies to overcome occupational stress. The lived experiences of the participants were explored through in-depth semi-structured interviews. The data gleaned were thematically analysed for gaining insights into the phenomenon under study. Results indicate that even though the participants are familiar with the integration of technology in blended learning model, the stress is sourced from inadequate preparation time and teaching materials for the full implementation of ODL, and the struggle of maintaining work-life balance due to managing other commitments in work-from-home mode. The present study identified personal, social and professional coping strategies were utilised by participants to cope with the stress and solve arisen issues during ODL sessions. The results have given insights into the participants’ resilience in ODL practices and could offer recommendations to in-service professional development programmes, training and stress management courses for lecturers. The limitations and recommendations for future studies were also discussed.