Nazarbayev University Graduate School of Education (GSE) is delighted to invite you to the GSE webinar " Emergency Online English Language Learning and Teaching During COVID-19 Pandemic: Voices of young children and Teachers in Kazakhstan" by GSE Assistant Professor Anas Hajar. Dr Hajar is an Assistant Professor and Program Director for PhD program at NUGSE.

This talk explores the English language learning and teaching experiences of students and their female English teachers from three state-maintained schools in Kazakhstan during the COVID-19 outbreak. It was informed by Benson et al.’s (2011) four-dimensional model of language learning beyond the classroom: (a) location (physical vs. virtual), (b) formality (formal vs. informal agents), (c) locus of control (other-directed vs. self-directed goals) and (d) pedagogy. Data were collected through online individual interviews and students’ drawings. The data suggest that the English teachers used mainly Zoom and WhatsApp platforms for delivering the online classes. The participants exercised their agency in evaluating the advantages and drawbacks of their experiences of collaborating online at home. Several teachers indicated that although online education helped them have financial and professional gains, they encountered the difficulties of assessing their students’ progress online and work overload which had negative impacts on their wellbeing and quality of life. The students were also critical of their English teachers’ practices, particularly, the overuse of WhatsApp, the scarcity of co-operative activities and delays in responding to inquiries. Consequently, 16 students (53%) were receiving face-to-face and virtual private tutoring in English (PT-E). The pedagogical implications and areas for further research are suggested.

Date and time: October 28 (Thursday) at 5 pm.

Language: English

Zoom Link for registration and webinar https://nu-edu-kz.zoom.us/j/95620903447