Challenges of Online English as a Second Language (ESL)Teachers in Teaching the English Language for Starter Students
Keywords:
ESL Teachers, Starter, Zero-English level, online language learningAbstract
This study aims to identify and examine the challenges of teaching English to starter (zero-English-level) students in an online learning environment. The study employed a quantitative research design, using a survey questionnaire with a Likert scale and a checklist to collect data from online ESL teachers currently teaching starter (zero-English-level) students. The sample population for this research comprises 67 online ESL teachers. The respondents worked with starter (zero-English-level) students. Findings revealed that online ESL teachers commonly encountered challenges related to students’ comprehension and learning pace, student engagement and motivation, teaching strategies and learning materials, and classroom management. The study also found that language barriers and technological issues were among the most difficult concerns teachers faced in online instruction. The results revealed no significant differences in the challenges encountered by online ESL teachers when grouped by sex, age, educational attainment, and years of teaching experience. This suggests that teachers experience similar challenges regardless of their background. However, the study also found a significant relationship between the challenges encountered and the level of difficulty teachers experienced. The study concluded that online ESL teachers experience common challenges regardless of demographic profile, highlighting the need for improved instructional materials, technological support, and continuous professional development
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