Implementation of Covid-19 protection protocols and its implication on learning & teaching in public schools

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the implementation of COVID-19 protection protocols and its implication on teaching -learning process in schools of Werabe administrative town. A concurrent embedded research design and mixed approach were used to carry out the current study and collect data in that order. To conduct the study, 140 teachers, 12 principals, and 6 supervisors were selected by simple random, purposive, and availability sampling techniques respectively. To gather the data, a questionnaire, semi-structured interview, observation checklist, focus group discussion, and document analysis were used. The analysis of quantitative data was carried out by using mean and multiple regressions, while qualitative data was analysed through thematic description and word narration. The results showed that COVID-19 protection protocols were not strictly implemented as per the standards set by both Ministry of Education and the World Health Organization. In addition, the study exposed school community-related factors like reluctance in keeping physical distancing (mean = 4.28, Beta = 0.29, p < 0.05) and resource-related factors like shortage of thermometer (mean = 2.85, Beta = 0.25, p < 0.05) are significantly affecting the implementation of COVID-19 protection protocols. The findings further indicated that the school-community related and the resource-related factors directly affected the classroom teaching-learning process, render students' families and education sectors for additional financial expenses. Therefore, encouraging communication and coordination among education actors, families, learners, and health communities need to be re-strengthened, and the implementation of protection protocols has to be enforced.

Keywords: COVID-19; Implementation; Learning-teaching; Protection protocols; Public school.