Overcoming Online Teaching and Learning Challenges in the Japanese Context

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic presented many opportunities for instructors of foreign languages to
experiment with online learning technologies and gain knowledge that would assist them in the
implementation of these tools in the future. Even though COVID-19 pandemic generated
challenges, these opportunities were plentiful. Therefore, this study investigates the challenges
faced by English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instructors while delivering online EFL classes
during the pandemic in Japan. The study investigates how they have overcome obstacles and
what they have discovered from their experiences that can help online language instructors
improve the quality of instruction they provide. Semi-structured interviews were conducted
with seven EFL instructors at the English Department of a Japanese university using Microsoft
Teams. During the interviews, participants revealed how they overcame challenges to interest
students in their online classes and how they came up with unique techniques to teaching.
Based on the findings, it appears that the online pedagogical training that instructors received
was inadequate. As a result, the study recommends that universities should formulate
standardized guidelines for the delivery of education over the internet and expand the types of
opportunities provided for instructors to receive adequate training.