Evaluating Teacher Performances in Distance Education during the COVID-19 Lockdowns: Creative Efforts with the Unknown

This study focused on teacher responses during COVID-19 in the 2020-2021 academic year about homework assignments, their preparedness, internet use, resources used, measurement and evaluation methods. The study is qualitative using content analysis and the N-Vivo program. Ten teachers in different types of high schools in different socio-economic regions in Adana/Turkey participated in this research. The results showed that the opinions of the teachers did not vary according to school type and socio-economic environment. They made creative efforts for effective instruction by integrating different types of evaluation, homework, and methodology. Based on the results, it is suggested that distance educational planning should be made preparing teachers for such unexpected events; it includes the development of software, alternative teaching platforms, providing government support for internet and access to equipment and technology. Additionally, it is noted that teachers may experience a lack of motivation during the pandemic and should be supported psychologically during such unexpected events. [This study was presented at the International Professional Education Conference (IPEC) held on 23-29 August 2021 at Nevsehir Haci Bektas Veli University/Turkey.]