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Combating the Coronavirus Pandemic in Small Schools

Author

Listed:
  • Martina Maněnová

    (Faculty of Education, University of Hradec Králové, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic)

  • Janet Wolf

    (Faculty of Education, University of Hradec Králové, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic)

  • Martin Skutil

    (Faculty of Education, University of Hradec Králové, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic)

  • Jitka Vítová

    (Faculty of Education, University of Hradec Králové, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic)

Abstract

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the issue of distance education in primary schools has become a much-discussed topic. It is therefore no surprise that the issues related to it have come to the forefront of many researchers. There is, however, at least one group that has stayed relatively unnoticed, and it is so-called small schools. Thus, we conducted a qualitative study based on the phenomenological approach, searching for answers to our research question: What has been the experience of the directors of small schools with distance education during the pandemic? Our findings offer an in-depth insight into the life of six schools through the eyes of their directors. Semi-structural interviews with school directors helped us reveal three key factors that, in our opinion, had the greatest influence on the form of distance education. These are (1) the factor of ICT competence of all actors, (2) the factor of organization of educational settings, and (3) the factor of the teaching methods and forms used in education. Furthermore, we conclude the result section with a subchapter that captures the positive aspects of distance education as perceived by the addressed school directors.

Suggested Citation

  • Martina Maněnová & Janet Wolf & Martin Skutil & Jitka Vítová, 2021. "Combating the Coronavirus Pandemic in Small Schools," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(13), pages 1-15, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:13:p:7086-:d:581125
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lee, Shawna J. & Ward, Kaitlin P. & Chang, Olivia D. & Downing, Kasey M., 2021. "Parenting activities and the transition to home-based education during the COVID-19 pandemic," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 122(C).
    2. Harmon, Oskar R. & Tomolonis, Paul A., 2019. "The effects of using Facebook as a discussion forum in an online principles of economics course: Results of a randomized controlled trial," International Review of Economics Education, Elsevier, vol. 30(C), pages 1-1.
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