Anticipation, coping and adaptation practices for teaching and learning continuity of higher education institutions

Abstract

The massive disruptions created by the pandemic forced higher education institutions to reconfigure their operations to ensure the continuity of teaching and learning. This study identified the anticipation, coping and adaptation practices of public higher education institutions in response to the challenges during the health crisis. It was the purpose of the study to identify the anticipation, coping and adaptation practices of public higher education institutions in response to the challenges during the health crisis. The study employed the mixed method using the survey and interview. Thirty-seven (37) informants who were involved in managing five (5) government funded public higher education institutions in the Philippines expressed willingness to participate in the study. It was revealed that higher education institutions had low organizational capacity to anticipate crisis. To cope with disruptions, institutional strategies were implemented like a shift to flexible teaching and learning modality, provision for training, psychological and technological support and enhancement of student services. Adaptation initiatives included preparation of continuity plans, development of learning management system, technology enhancement and capacity building activities. Effective planning, leadership and readiness for change were the emerging themes across the resiliency stages of anticipation, coping and adaptation. It is recommended that public higher education institutions should prioritize the crafting of data driven and context based strategic plan to include technology support and budget allocation in order to ensure teaching learning continuity during disasters of any kind. Collaborative leadership and readiness for change also need to be cultivated to foster resilient academic institutions amidst and beyond the pandemic.