Journal of Communication Pedagogy (Oct 2021)

"It's Been a Good Reminder That Students Are Human Beings": An Exploratory Inquiry of Instructors’ Rhetorical and Relational Goals During COVID-19

  • Victoria McDermott,
  • Drew T. Ashby-King

DOI
https://doi.org/10.31446/JCP.2021.2.10
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 5
pp. 62 – 77

Abstract

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As colleges and universities moved to remote learning during the Spring 2020 semester due to COVID-19, the traditional higher education classroom format was challenged. This study examines how instructors reconceptualized their rhetorical and relational goals in the pandemic classroom. A thematic analysis of 68 qualitative survey responses revealed that instructors adapted their rhetorical and relational approaches to instruction due to a perceived change in students’ needs. Moreover, findings suggest that instructors intend to continue to use many of these instructional changes in their post-pandemic classrooms. These conclusions confirm that instructors should consider contextual factors not only during but also after COVID-19. We close with practical recommendations for instructors beyond the pandemic classroom.

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