English Teacher’s Responses to the Government’s Policy on Online Learning Activities During Covid-19 Pandemic: A Case Study at SMPN 2 Mataram

Postgraduate English Study Program, University of Mataram, Mataram, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: sriardiningsih964@gmail.com

Abstract

This research aims to investigate English teachers’ responses to the government policy in online learning activities during Covid-19 pandemic at SMPN 2 Mataram. The study involved 4 English teachers and six students from 8 and 9 grades as participants of the study. This is a case study qualitative research. The data were collected by interviewing the teacher about their experience in implementing the policy to find out their response, obstacles, and how they overcame them. Documentation is conducted to see their preparation for teaching online. Then, audio and visual materials were necessary to see how they implemented it. The data were analyzed by using the following procedure: (a) identify teacher response to the online learning policy, (b) identify teacher’s obstacles during the implementation of the policy (c) identify the way teachers overcome the obstacles. The result of this study showed that English teachers’ responses to the government policy in online learning activities during Covid-19 pandemic at SMPN 2 Mataram were not too surprising because they have experience in using online media and were also supported by digital facilities at school. However, the teacher state that the process is not optimal when compared to offline learning. As a follow-up to improvement, it is necessary to evaluate and develop parents or stakeholders to be actively involved in assisting students.