The Impact of the COVID-19 on Teaching and Learning at Secondary Schools in Champasack Province: This study examined the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on secondary school students and teachers in Champasak Province, Laos. A total population of 724 individuals was identified across nine districts and one municipality...

Sengsouliya CHANTHANAKHONE; Soudsadaphone SINGSITHA; Somphien MAHAPНОМ; Saleumsai KEOKASEUMSOUK; Sonpheth SYSOULATH; Thipphachanh NOUTHAPNONE; Thidasavanh KEODADOK

Authors

Sengsouliya CHANTHANAKHONE Scientific Research and Academic Service Office, Champasack University
Soudsadaphone SINGSITHA Scientific Research and Academic Service Office, Champasack University
Somphien MAHAPНОМ Department of English Language Teacher, Faculty of Education, Champasak University
Saleumsai KEOKASEUMSOUK Office of Planning and International Cooperations, Champasak University
Sonpheth SYSOULATH Department of Lao Language - Literature, Faculty of Education, Champasak University
Thipphachanh NOUTHAPNONE Department of English Language Teacher, Faculty of Education, Champasak University
Thidasavanh KEODADOK Department of Lao Language - Literature, Faculty of Education, Champasak University

Keywords:

Effects, COVID-19, teaching, teachers, students, grades

Abstract

This study examined the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on secondary school students and teachers in Champasak Province, Laos. A total population of 724 individuals was identified across nine districts and one municipality. Two sampling methods were employed: Simple Random Sampling (Group 1): A sample of 380 participants was selected using this method, based on the Krejcie and Morgan table (1970). Stratified Random Sampling (Group 2): Another sample of 380 individuals was drawn from the total population of 2,481 using stratified random sampling, as suggested by Yamane (1973).
The results of the study found that:
-The cost of living of teachers during the COVID-19 outbreak had increased more than normal, with an average score of 3.61.
-In terms of students' cost of living, it was found that it had a low to moderate impact on students' lives. The low impact was related to the sale of assets and loans for living expenses, increased spending by students on online learning, and the medium impact was related to a decrease in family income. Family has more expenses.
-Regarding the capacity to manage online teaching of teachers, it was revealed that teachers are not ready to teach online due to the lack of internet facilities and equipment used for teaching, including internet, computers, mobile phones. In terms of the capacity to learn online of students, it was revealed that the overall capacity to learn online is low. Most students do not know the online learning resources created by the government. In addition, the problem with regards to knowledge of ICT and equipment of students is still low.
-Teaching techniques of teachers during the Covid-19 epidemic, it was found that the first method used was assigning homework in the form of review questions. Highlighting the important topics in the textbook for students to report, with providing the teachers' contact number for students to call when they do not understand. The second method used was summarize the lesson briefly and let student study by themselves. The third method was creating WhatsApp and Messenger groups and send the lesson for students to report.