The shift to flexible learning amidst the pandemic: the case of English language teachers in a Philippine state university

While studies on online learning have been extensive, it remains unclear, however, how educators engage themselves in the sudden shift to online/remote learning or distance education because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, there is a lacuna in the literature concerning English language teachers’ perceptions of the shift from the classroom to online teaching. To date, in the Philippines, no single study exists, which has examined the same or related focus. Thus, through a survey and focus group discussions among 38 Filipino university teachers of English, this study explores how English language teachers view the problems, advantages and disadvantages, and points for improvement in flexible learning (FL) amidst the pandemic. Findings indicated that most of the problems were minor. However, the most crucial concerns include comprehension of learning content, student engagement, and internet connectivity, which were likewise claimed by the participants as disadvantages of FL. The analysis also revealed two benefits: convenience, and enhancement of teaching and learning. Further, the participants emphasized the following suggestions to improve FL: planning, implementation, and monitoring of school administration; provision of adequate internet and technological resources; and capacity-building and trainings.