Flattening the Curve: Narrative Analysis of Pre-Service English Teachers’ Experiences During the Height of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Teofilo Damoco | Gregerlin Lambenicio
Discipline: Education
Abstract:
The COVID-19 epidemic affected all aspects of human existence, including pre-service English teacher
preparation courses. This study employed qualitative narrative inquiry to investigate the stories of potential
English teachers who utilized online learning during the outbreak. Nine aspiring English teachers consented to
participate in the study. In two stages, data was collected. The students' required professional course reflections
on their experiences in synchronous and asynchronous classes were evaluated first. Then, an interview was
done to understand their written narratives better, and a focus group discussion was undertaken to align the
researcher's understanding with the informants' perspectives on the analyses' findings. The research ensured
compliance with ethical standards by submitting the study protocols to a streamlined review by the College
Research Ethics Committee. To protect the identities of the informants, they were given pseudonyms based on
biblical figures. The data analysis generated four themes: "climbing the ravines," which describes the
difficulties; "under their wings," which describes the system of support; "the David-Goliath battle remake,"
which describes the coping mechanisms used; and "flattening the curve," which highlights the celebrations of the
successes and realizations of English language engagement during the pandemic. This study's findings contribute
to the knowledge community’s understanding of the involvement of pre-service English instructors and offer
suggestions for enhancing programs that improve student wellness and resiliency.
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