Preliminary communication

Opinions and experiences of higher grade primary school students about distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic

Blanka Runtić ; Primary school Kman-Kocunar, Split
Nela Kavelj ; Primary school Kman-Kocunar, Split

Abstract

In the circumstances surrounding the closure of schools in order to stop the spread of the coronavirus, distance learning has been a major challenge for teachers, students and parents. The aim of this research was to explore pupils’ experiences and opinions about distance learning in subject teaching (grades 5 - 8) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was conducted on a sample of 174 primary school pupils from Split. Data were collected by anonymous surveying of students via an online questionnaire after three weeks of distance learning. The questionnaire contained closed-ended and open-ended questions. The results showed that the average student grade for distance learning was 3.50. Respondents ≈2 times more often stated the disadvantages than the advantages of distance learning, which indicates developed critical thinking skills and certain difficulties in this model of teaching. Among the advantages of such a model of teaching, students most frequently mentioned: interesting and fun teaching, the use of digital quizzes and games and the possibility of longer sleep. Among the disadvantages of distance learning from student’s perspective the following categories dominate: assigning too many tasks to work on, inability to socialize with friends, difficulties in understanding the material, and lack of explanation and instruction by some teachers. Most respondents have digital devices of appropriate quality, but only 1/3 are completely independent in their use. Others need more or less help in using ICT. Even 71% of respondents study less than the recommended 6 hours during the day, but despite of that, even 43% of respondents believe that teachers assign too many tasks and that the tasks are too demanding. Slightly more than half of the respondents (51%) reported that teachers always explain the material well enough using materials they publish, follow them in their work, give additional instructions and provide the necessary support. Considering the uncertain epidemiological circumstances and the possibility of re-applying the model of distance learning or hybrid learning model, reported experiences and advantages and disadvantages of distance learning from a student’s perspective, can be useful guidelines that will serve to improve pedagogical practice in the future.

Keywords

information and communication technology; online teaching; primary school; pupils’ satisfaction

Hrčak ID:

252881

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/252881

Publication date:

26.2.2021.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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