Challenges of distance learning in primary education for teachers, students, and their parents

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic affected education patterns worldwide. A broad shift was seen from traditional education to distance learning. Teachers, students, and parents faced several novel difficulties. The purpose of the study is to investigate (1) the difficulties in distance learning faced by students, teachers, and parents and (2) the relationship between demographic variables and the difficulties of distance learning as perceived by teachers and parents. Therefore, the study follows a descriptive survey approach using a questionnaire containing 25 questions divided into the following three categories: (a) students’ difficulties, (b) teachers’ difficulties, and (c) parents’ difficulties. The sample included 258 parents and teachers selected from Kuwait. The result of the study found  (1) a significant relationship between the mother’s education level and student difficulties, (2) teachers’ location in Kuwait was significantly correlated with their difficulties, (3) the  student’s age correlated with parent difficulties, (4) no significant differences were found based on the student’s gender, and (5) no correlation was found between the student’s academic level and the difficulties faced. In a nutshell,  the findings emphasize the need for training programs to address distance learning challenges and implement strategies to enhance learning quality.