Identifying Leisure Perceptions and Activities of EFL Teachers in Home Isolation during the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This study explores the thoughts and perceptions of EFL teachers in Turkey on leisure activities during the Coronavirus pandemic, the frequency of their participation in such activities and how their characteristics influence these perceptions. For this purpose, an online questionnaire was filled by a total of 939 EFL teachers working in primary, intermediate and high schools across Turkey. The majority of the EFL teachers are female (85.4%), married (67.8%), middle-aged (68.3%), and have a child or more (59.7%). Most of them hold bachelor’s degrees (89.9%) and have 0-20 years of teaching experience (90.8%). EFL teachers’ perception was generally positive during the stay-at-home or isolation. Many claimed that as the stay-at-home has increased their leisure activities. Some stated that such activities were a must during the lockdown. Others declared that the lockdown has helped their personal development, and that such leisure time has impacted their family relationships. Moreover, the abundance of free time was “a good opportunity to rest” for the majority, “It is a good opportunity for hobbies” and “It is a good opportunity to participate in social, cultural and professional events” for different groups that participated in the questionnaire. The study revealed that teachers frequently spent time on social networks, kept up to date with the news regularly, watched movies/TV series, listened to music and read books. The answers revealed that the least oft-mentioned leisure activities are online festivals and exhibitions, playing instruments, online hobby courses, online theatres, and knitting. Older, experienced and married and female EFL teachers with children mostly spent more time with their kids and cared for their plants. The study concludes by recommending courses on free-time management and online PD activities for the teachers. Additionally, it advises that pursuing postgraduate education should be incentivized through workplace policies.