Online Teaching during the Pandemic: Educational Psychology Faculty’s Perspectives

Abstract

Through a grounded theory study, we uncovered instructional challenges and opportunities during the pandemic from 15 faculty members who serve at land-grant institutions. We conducted one-on-one semi-structured interviews via Zoom or in-person with the faculty members. We learned their strategies to address learner needs and challenges throughout their narratives. Upon reflection, participants revealed and emphasized the significance of humanizing teaching and being flexible and adaptive. These strategies enabled them to address learners’ needs and engage learners during pandemic teaching. This study offers a deeper understanding of how faculty experienced the pandemic teaching. The findings help shed light on a topic that needs more exploration and reflection—humanizing teaching.