UNDERSTANDING THE ESSENCE OF PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHERS’ EXPERIENCES EMPLOYING SELF-LEARNING MODULES DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

This qualitative study was undertaken and employed hermeneutic phenomenology. It described the essence of the experiences of the grade six teachers in Malapatan Central Elementary School in employing self-learning modules during the COVID-19 pandemic. Five participants underwent an in-depth interview to discover their lived experiences analyzed thematically. The data gathered were categorized into three main themes: coping with the difficulties in the new normal through a passion for teaching, optimism in the face of adversities, and alienation from job, pupils, and from oneself. The study concluded that massive, sudden changes brought by the COVID-19 pandemic caused difficulties in the lives of the teachers as they were separated from their actual roles as educators, even leading to alienation from their profession, their pupils, and themselves. Nevertheless, the teachers remained optimistic, determined to find ways to cope with these challenges because deep within their hearts lies their passion for teaching.