Cross-cultural examination of early childhood and elementary teachers’ practices during emergency online instruction

This research aimed to study the experiences of early childhood and elementary teachers in the U.S. and Turkiye as they transitioned to different modes of instruction during COVID-19 school closings. The researchers focused on the modes of teaching, support the teachers received, assessment, meeting the needs of students with special needs, and parental involvement. The researchers used a semi-structured survey instrument. Ninety-eight early childhood and early elementary teachers from Turkey and 155 counterparts from Northeastern U.S. responded to the survey. Results showed that teachers in the U.S. and Turkiye had similar experiences in all the focus areas. These results bring to light areas the teachers need assistance to be better prepared for such transitions in the future.