An Exploratory Investigation of Teacher Perceptions of Education and Communication at the Beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Y

17

COVID-19; Pandemics; Teacher Attitudes; Elementary Secondary Education; Interpersonal Communication; Online Courses; Administrators; Teacher Student Relationship; Interaction; Teaching Conditions; Teacher Effectiveness; Predictor Variables; Well Being; Psychological Patterns; Stress Variables; Administrator Role

2640-4524
2578-2568

In March 2020, teachers in the K-12 school system were forced to transition from in-person instruction to a variety of virtual teaching models due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This unprecedented change required extensive communication between teachers, students, parents, and administrators. This study explored communication during the March-May 2020 transition period, utilizing Uncertainty Management Theory as an overarching framework to investigate how teacher comfort with online learning, communication overload, administrative clarity, and student--teacher interaction influenced the effectiveness and happiness of teachers. Across these four variables, communication overload was shown to be a strong negative predictor of teacher well-being; student--teacher interaction predicted positive teaching outcomes.

As Provided

2023

EJ1367825