The Process of Positive Adaptation to Remote Learning During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: The text presents the experiences of academic teachers and students related to a crisis situation caused by a pandemic. Referring to the concept of resilience, the authors emphasize the importance of positive adaptation in the process of coping with the existing, unknown academic reality during the pandemic caused by the spread of the SARS - CoV - 2 virus. Research Aim: was to reconstruct the experience of academic teachers and students connected with online learning in Polish universities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: The qualitative orientation of the research was centred around the interpretative paradigm. We implemented the focused interview technique in our project, inviting students and academic teachers from all over Poland. Triangulation was used in the research project. Results: Team analysis of the interview revealed ways of experiencing and coping in the crisis situation resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. In the initial stages of the pandemic the respondents stressed loss of stability and security in the face of an experienced crisis, resulting in anxiety and unease. In the process of becoming accustomed to the new educational order, they activated potential in the form of internal and external resources, which significantly encouraged and protected them as they were coping with everyday academic practice. Conclusion: Even though coping strategies take different forms and methods, they are established by one common goal - regaining lost control. It manifests itself in the resilience process, the consequence of which is a positive adaptation to changing circumstances.

Keywords

• academic education, pandemic, crisis, resilience