Exploring Perceptions and Practices of Best Teaching Behaviors of Asynchronous Online English Composition Instructors in Higher Education: A Phenomenological Approach

This qualitative interpretive phenomenological study explored how asynchronous online English composition instructors in higher education define effective teaching behaviors, put these behaviors into practice while navigating related challenges, and evaluate their own teaching effectiveness in promoting a positive learning environment. Guided by a constructivist worldview, Heidegger’s hermeneutic phenomenology, and Barbeau and Cornejo Happel’s (2023) Critical Teaching Behaviors framework, the study examined the lived experiences of eight instructors from six institutions, each with at least two years of asynchronous online teaching experience. Data were gathered through demographic surveys and two semi-structured interviews with each participant. Interviews were transcribed, member-checked, and analyzed using In Vivo and Pattern coding, and were supported by analytic memos and reflective journaling. Eleven themes emerged across the study’s three research questions. Findings showed that instructors define effective asynchronous teaching as creating inclusive and supportive learning climates, maintaining a humanized and responsive presence, and establishing clear course structure. In their instructional practice, instructors described teaching behaviors related to engagement through community-building, flexible course design, personalized and timely feedback, intentional communication, and adaptive use of technology, while managing ongoing challenges such as academic integrity concerns and workload demands. To assess effectiveness, instructors drew on student engagement indicators, direct feedback, and evidence of student performance. The insights gained from this study deepen the understanding of effective teaching in asynchronous English composition courses and highlight the vital role instructors play in shaping meaningful and successful online learning experiences.