Abstract:
The purpose of this phenomenological study is to explore the perception of primary school teachers regarding students’ learning loss due to Prolonged Unplanned School Closure (PUSC). The current study explored the teachers’ teaching experience during PUSC, their perception regarding the concept of learning loss, challenges faced by primary school teachers due to the learning loss of students, and strategies used to overcome such challenges. Moreover, the support being provided to teachers by administrators to deal with the learning loss of students has also been explored. Conceptually, learning loss materializes in two ways. Firstly, learning that does not take place while schools are closed, and secondly, learning that is lost or forgotten when students disengage from schools (World Bank, 2020). The method of exploration includes semi-structured interviews with primary school teachers at Punjab Government schools in Rawalpindi, approached through a purposive sampling technique. After taking interviews, data has been transcribed. Thematic Analysis (Braun & Clark, 2012) is used to analyze data to form themes. Findings of the study highlighted reasons and impact of PUSC on students’ learning. Students’ learning loss due to these closures increased teachers’ challenges. These challenges include lack of online teaching platforms, re-adjusting students to school routine, syllabus coverage, loss of students’ learning skills and previous learning, lack of support or guidance at institute level and from government. Teachers employed various strategies to address learning loss, but lack of support and resources made it exceedingly difficult. Teachers recommended modifications in the syllabus, reduction of vacations, teachers’ training and establishing effective online teaching platforms as critical steps in preparation for potential future closures and ensuring that students' education remains uninterrupted. The findings underscore the need for a more resilient and supportive education system that can better withstand disruptions and ensure continuity of learning in government sector of Pakistan.
