Date of Award
Fall 2023
Document Type
Open Access Dissertation
Department
Educational Studies
First Advisor
James Kirylo
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted many students, especially the English learners who require specialized instruction and additional support to develop English language proficiency. This study examines how the pandemic created barriers that caused a decline in the academic achievement and engagement in the learning process of sixth-eighth grade English learners in an urban district in Ohio. In this mixed-methods study, using an explanatory sequential research design, quantitative data were collected through an online Likert survey while qualitative data were gathered from semi-structured interviews, artifacts, and researcher field notes. A total of 21 participants completed the survey and interviews. The merged results developed into four themes showing the greatest barriers influencing English learners during the pandemic were mental health, learning environment, technology, and communication. These barriers affected the lived experience of English learners and influenced their engagement in school and, thus, their academic success post-pandemic. The findings highlight the need for added support during remote learning to engage English learners and to close the achievement gap. Key words: English learner, COVID-19 pandemic, barriers, mental health, technology, learning environment
Rights
© 2024, Mary Kathryn Maxwell
Recommended Citation
Maxwell, M. K.(2023). Weathering the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Study Examining How the Lived Experience Affected English Learners. (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/etd/7589