The Role of Parents and Teachers in Supporting Elementary Student’s Online Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic

During the COVID-19 Pandemic parents are required to build effective communication with their children and to spend their time to accompany and assist their children in learning, especially for elementary school students who still require more attention to carry out their learning during the pandemic. On the other hand, teacher’s role is also crucial for the teaching and learning activities during the pandemic situation. This study aims to know the role of parents and teachers to support student’s online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using qualitative approach, this study applied descriptive qualitative research design. This research was conducted at one private Islamic elementary school in Yogyakarta. In addition, this research involved the parents of three elementary school students and three teachers at elementary school as the participants. By conducting interview as the data collection method, several findings related to the role of parents and teachers in students’ learning during the COVID-19 pandemic were found. The first finding revealed that parents hold a role as a teacher at home, as a facilitator, as a role model, and as a motivator. The second finding revealed that the roles of teachers in supporting student’s online learning are as a motivator, as a facilitator, as an innovative technology facilitator, as a proactive educator, as a learning assistance, and as a learning assessor. Moreover, this research shows implication that both teachers and parents hold significant roles in succeeding students’ online learning.