Voices of the Teachers in the New Normal Education: Their Engagement in Home-Based Learning

Abstract

This research takes insights from the experiences of teachers in home-based instruction during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was conducted in pursuit of determining the nature and level of teachers’ engagement in the remote work arrangement. The study was descriptive-qualitative. Purposive sampling was employed in identifying the study participants. This study evidenced that teachers who were on a home-based work arrangement experienced various challenges. Lacking resources, technological skills inadequacy and absence of support for teachers’ health and well-being are just some of the challenges accounted for. The pandemic which put everyone in distress highlighted the importance of not only the physical, but also the mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being of teachers and students. Nonetheless, teachers are aware of their own needs, as well as the needs of the school and their students, allowing them to make meaningful recommendations. Furthermore, the teaching-learning environment during distance learning, as well as the resources, may be prioritized at the national and local levels, and strategic directions may be orchestrated ahead of time to avoid injudicious actions during implementation, followed by recognized psychological well-being and quality of life, seeing as distance learning is primarily supported by technology, training, and seminars on technological skill upgrading and development of teachers should be prioritized, and a replication of this study should be conducted to assess other aspects of home-based instruction in times of health crisis for the improvement of home-based learning delivery.