Challenges Faced by Teachers in Remote Area During Pandemic Covid-19

Abstract

Covid-19 pandemic forces the schools to close and the students learn from home. Online learning becomes one of the consequences. However, not all teachers and students are able to implement online learning because of several factors. This phenomenon is experienced by the front-line Indonesian teachers who teach in the remote area, or in Bahasa Indonesia namely “ Terdepan , Terluar , dan Tertinggal (3T)”. The aim of this study is to investigate the practice of teaching and learning in remote areas and challenges the front-line teachers face in this pandemic situation. The study used qualitative data analysis using an interactive model which included data collection and data reduction, display data, and draw and verify the conclusion. The results show the biggest challenges for front-line teachers are the limited telecommunication equipment on the part of the students, and a stable network, and the cost of the internet as it is not a free service. Other challenges are the students' low discipline and motivation in completing the assignments, lack of their attendance when the teachers visited their homes, and the lack of support from parents and government.