The COVID-19 and education in Malta (Cov-EM) study : perspectives of university students in initial teacher education - research report 1

Abstract

Alongside many higher education institutions worldwide, the Faculty of Education at the University of Malta (UM) shifted its teaching and learning modes from campus-based to online overnight in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time of disruptions and challenges the ECPE Research Group identified an opportunity to study the impact of the pandemic on five groups of stakeholders in education (ITE University Students, Early Childhood Educators, Primary School Educators, Leaders in Educational Institutions, Parents of Children in Early or Primary Education). Perspectives of University Students in Initial Teacher Education: The purpose of the current research study was: (i) to explore ITE university students’ views about the impact of COVID-19 on teaching and learning within teacher education and gain insight into their practices in view of the pedagogies and strategies adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic; (ii) to learn more about the new learning spaces and environments used by university students in ITE, and how these influenced their experiences and practices during the pandemic; and (iii) to examine how the rapid shift to online learning and adhering to ongoing updated COVID-19 mitigation measures have affected their lives, practices, relationships and personal well-being. [Excerpt from Executive Summary]