Exploring the Challenge of EFL Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Abstract
Learning English as a foreign language is a challenge for learners in Indonesia. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced institutions to adopt an online learning approach. The combination of these problems has thus made it more taxing for EFL learners. Accordingly, the current study was conducted to explore the challenges faced by EFL learners during the pandemic. The study used a descriptive research design, and data were collected qualitatively through semi-structured interviews with 20 participants from MTs Darussalam Kubu Raya. The findings indicated that the commonest issues faced by the learners were their inaccessibility to the Internet and the teachers’ inability to guide or properly explain the lessons. Therefore, the researchers of this study recommend education stakeholders to ensure accessibility of the Internet to their pupils and invest in qualified teachers.
References
[1] UNESCO. Distance learning strategies in response to COVID-19 school closures. Paris: UNESCO Office and Headquarters; 2020. (Issue note n° 2.1 – April 2020)
[2] Education and Covid-19 [Internet]; New York City; UNICEF; 2020 [Cited 2021 August 11]. Available form: https://data.unicef.org/topic/education/covid-19/
[3] Aaron, R. The Influence of Online English Language Instruction on ESL Learners' Fluency Development [dissertation]. Utah: Brigham Young University; 2016.
[4] Anggraeni, A. Using E-learning to Support Learning and Teaching Language (The Importance of Virtual Learning Environment (VIE) To Improve Student Speaking Skill. ELTIN JOURNAL. Journal of English Language Teaching in Indonesia. 2014;2(1):9-16.
[5] King, F.B. Defining Distance Learning and Distance Education. AACE Journal. 2001;9(1):1-14.
[6] Fojtík, Rostislav. Problems of Distance Education. ICTE Journal. 2018;7(1):14-23. DOI: 10.2478/ijicte-2018-0002.
[7] Rotas, E.E. & Cahapay, M.B. Difficulties in Remote Learning: Voices of Philippine University Students in the Wake of COVID-19 Crisis. Asian Journal of Distance Education. 2020;15(2):147-158.
[8] Rahim, M.N. & Chandran, S.S. Investigating EFL Students’ Perceptions on E-learning Paradigm-Shift during Covid-19 Pandemic. Elsya: Journal of English Language Studies. 2021;3(1):56-66. DOI: 10.31849/elsya.v3i1.5949.
[9] Elumalai, K.V., Sankar, J.P., Kalaichelvi, R., John, J.A., Menon, N., Alqahtani, M.S.M., Abumelha, M.A. Factors Affecting the Quality of E-Learning during The Covid-19 Pandemic from The Perspective of Higher Education Students. Journal of Information Technology Education: Research. 2020;19:731-753.
[10] Gustiani, Sri. Students’ Motivation in Online Learning During Covid-19 Pandemic Era: A Case Study. Holistics Journal. 2020;12(2):23-40. p-ISSN 2085-4021 e-ISSN 2657-1897.
[11] Department of Communication, Information and Statistics. Buku Informasi Statistik 2017. 2017.https://setjen.pu.go.id/source/File%20pdf/Buku%20Induk%20Statistik/Buku%20Induk%20Statistik%20Tahun%202017.pdf
[12] Creswell, J.W. Qualitative Inquiry & Research Design: Choosing Among Five Approaches. California: Sage Publications, Inc; 2013.
[13] Dwidienawati, D., Abdinagoro, S.B., Tjahjana, D., & Gandasari, D. E-Learning Implementation during The COVID-19 outbreak: The Perspective of Students and Lecturers. Journal of Social Sciences. 2020;48(4):1189-1201. E-ISSN: 0975-8935 P-ISSN: 0253-1097
[14] Rahiem, D.H. Technological Barriers and Challenges in the Use of ICT during the COVID-19 Emergency Remote Learning. Universal Journal of Educational Research. 2020;8(11B):6124-6133. DOI: 10.13189/ujer.2020.082248.
[15] Ro’fah, Astri H, & Jamil S. Is Online Learning Accessible During COVID-19 Pandemic? Voices and Experiences of UIN Sunan Kalijaga Students with Disabilities. Jurnal Pendidikan Islam. 2020;4(1):1-38. DOI: 10.21580/nw.2020.14.1.5672.