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Identifier

000450014

Title

Το δημοτικό σχολείο σε κατάσταση έκτακτης ανάγκης : η ανταπόκριση στη διαχείριση της κρίσης πανδημίας της νόσου COVID-19 σύνφωνα με τις στάσεις και τις αντιλήψεις των σχολικών διευθυντών

Alternative Title

Primary school response to crisis situation due to the pandemic of COVID-19 as perceived by the principals

Author

Δρακαντωνάκη, Μαρία

Thesis advisor

Αργυροπούλου Ελευθερία

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine how school communities in primary schools in Greece reacted to the crisis due to the pandemic of Covid-19 as perceived by the principals in order to investigate public primary schools response to crisis situations. This paper is mainly based on the views and experience of primary school principals. In particular, it examines: a) The effects of the pandemic crisis in primary schools b) the actions and practices of coping with the Covid-19 crisis in school contexts c) the evaluation of the implemented ways of coping with the pandemic crisis and d) the school principals’ suggestions for better response to crises in the future. Thus, a sample survey of 15 principals has been conducted who all work in the public primary schools of the town of Iraklion in Crete. The study’s findings are based on data collected through empirical, qualitative research. Τhe research tool used was that of the semi – structured interview consisted of open – ended questions. Data were collected from March to the end of April 2021 during the closing period of schools due to COVID-19 (3rd lockdown). The findings of this study show that the primary school had to face the unprecedented state of suspending its operation as an emergency response to the Covid-19 crisis, without teachers' or students' prior knowledge of distance learning, planning and crisis management strategies. The school closure occurred very suddenly, giving school communities very limited time to prepare. The sudden shift from the traditional classroom–based teaching to distance learning posed great challenges for all education stakeholders (school leaders, teachers, students, parents) who had to adjust rapidly. These challenges were related to insufficient digital infrastructure, lack of families' and teachers' competence –as well as limited knowhow and training on distance learning. Nevertheless, this shift has also provided a valuable learning experience, a strong sense of belonging to school and new ways of collaboration and communication. However, policy actions are required in order to upgrade all the school digital infrastructures and to ensure that every student has the necessary digital equipment and resources, as well as to guarantee structured and inclusive distance learning in order to accelerate the digital development of schools.

Language

Greek

Subject

Covid-19

Crisis

Crisis management

Pandemic

Primary school

Δημοτικό σχολείο

Διαχείριση κρίσεων

Κρίση

Πανδημία