Research Article
Kate Tzu-Ching Chen
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 16, Issue 2, Article No: ep506
ABSTRACT
This study assessed the readiness and perceptions of 215 secondary school teachers in Taiwan regarding distance English as a foreign language (EFL) learning. Data collection encompassed survey questionnaires, which were refined based on a pilot study. The responses underwent analysis using descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, and the Pearson correlation coefficient in the most recent iteration of SPSS. In addition, content analysis was conducted on follow-up interviews. The findings indicated a noteworthy degree of readiness among teachers for distance EFL learning, nonetheless the challenges arising from the abrupt transition to distance education during the COVID-19 pandemic. While teachers exhibited confidence in their ability to navigate EFL distance learning, they also accentuated the necessity for specialized training and institutional support to effectively manage its demands. Despite their preference for traditional in-person classes, teachers acknowledged the importance of ongoing support and training to enhance the quality of instruction in digital EFL learning contexts, emphasizing the need for continuous development in this newly developed teaching trend to align with evolving educational landscapes.
Keywords: distance education and online learning, K-12 education, computer-assisted language learning, English teaching
Research Article
Tufan Adiguzel, Mehmet Haldun Kaya, Mehmet Akin Bulut, Sinem Emine Mete, Yesim Nalkesen-Akin
CONT ED TECHNOLOGY, Volume 15, Issue 2, Article No: ep417
ABSTRACT
For K-12 teachers to improve effective teaching skills, cognitive presence (CP) integration into teaching and learning process is of utmost value. CP strategy training can serve as a facilitating component in supporting K-12 teachers’ instructional capacity. This study presents findings of a teacher professional development training aiming CP strategy implementation at K-12 level. Following a mixed-method methodology, the present research was carried out with 53 teachers from four different campuses and grade levels, who were guided to implement CP strategies in their teaching context. The data sources were CP-integrated lesson plans, trainers’ feedback on these lesson plans, teacher responses on a questionnaire. The data collection methods were utilizing an end-of-the-training questionnaire directed to teachers, lesson plan evaluation through a CP rubric, content analysis of trainer feedback on lesson plans and revised lesson plans. Results unveiled that this professional development training designed and implemented for K-12 teachers led to significantly positive changes in teachers’ CP strategy integration into lesson plans regardless of levels, subjects or topics. This study could also provide important contributions to designing teacher professional development training for researchers, practitioners and teacher trainers, particularly in CP dimension.
Keywords: cognitive presence, professional development, K-12, learning community, practical inquiry model