Keeping the Doors of Learning Open: Exploring Innovative English Language Teaching Practices during COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The current study has investigated the innovative ESL teaching practices like use of e-resources in online English language teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic in Sindh, Pakistan. It has also explored the challenges faced by ELT practitioners during the implementation of such practices. The findings are based on data supplied by 15 participants through semi-structured interviews. The participants were English language teachers at a private higher secondary school who were selected through volunteer sampling method. The study has applied a qualitative mode of inquiry employing Thematic Analysis method, proposed by Braun and Clarke (2006). The key arguments based on findings of this study reveal that the ELT practitioners are using innovative techniques and making most of the e-resources to maximize the learning opportunities in the time of the pandemic. While implementing online teaching, teachers face several challenges such as inadequate technological facilities, digital literacy and learners’ motivation and participation. These results are important for teachers, curriculum designers and researchers of language teaching as they bring some implications in the context of ELT.