The COVID-19 and education in Malta (Cov-EM) study : perspectives of parents with children in early and primary education - research report 4

Abstract

In March 2020, as part of the COVID-19 restriction measures, schools in Malta, like many schools worldwide, had to close their doors and shift face-to-face teaching and learning to online modes. During this time of disruption, challenges and uncertainty, the Early Childhood and Primary Education (ECPE) Research Group, within the Department of Early Childhood and Primary Education, Faculty of Education, sought to develop a study on the impact of the pandemic on five groups of stakeholders in education (ITE University Students, Early Childhood Educators, Primary School Educators, Parents of Children in Early and Primary Education and Leaders in Childcare Settings and Primary Schools). As a result, the COVID-19 and Education Malta (Cov-EM) research was created. Perspectives of Parents with Children in Early and Primary Education The purpose of Research Report 4 was: (i) to explore parents’ perspectives about the impact of COVID-19 on teaching and learning on their children in early childhood and primary schools in Malta in view of the pedagogies and strategies adopted by their educators during the COVID-19 pandemic; (ii) to examine issues of availability, accessibility and affordability of online and offline learning spaces found at home and how these influenced the children’s experiences during the pandemic; (iii) to investigate how the rapid shift to online learning and adhering to COVID-19 mitigation measures have affected their lives and their wellbeing and relationships. [Excerpt from Executive Summary]