The Lingering Effects of Pandemic: The Journey of English Language Teachers

This study aimed to discover the experiences, challenges encountered and gained insights of English language teachers with the lingering effects of pandemic in all elementary schools in District VI – Schools Division of Cotabato City. It employed qualitative research design using the semi-structured Key Informant Interview (KII) guide questions as gathering information. There has been no research highlighting the experiences of elementary English teachers upon the return of in-person classes. The findings revealed participants’ experiences on the lingering effects of pandemic were adapting to changes in teaching-learning, basic skills development, impact on learning progress and development, technology and connectivity insufficiency and emotional toll and reflections on teaching effectiveness. Thus, with the learning of pupils were learning loss and academic gaps, impact on basic skills and comprehension, emotional response and bridging learning gaps and providing support. The challenges encountered were addressing learning loss and mental health, struggles in vocabulary comprehension, difficulty in teaching English and difficulty in adjusting to new learning environment. The interventions made were adaptability and flexibility in teaching methods, collaboration and community engagement, adapting teaching strategies, innovative teaching approaches, focus on student well-being, and continuous learning improvement. Lastly, gained insights were valuing the essence of resiliency with adaptability, flexibility and dedication, collaboration with innovation and support, continuous learning and professional growth, student-centered approach and well-being and human interactive connection with empathy. The findings have implications for educational policymakers, administrators and partners in other fields to intensify programs related in addressing the lingering effects of pandemic educationally and economically.