The Influence of the Pandemic on the Affective States of School Principals and Teachers: A Comparative Study between South Africa and Latvia
Social Sciences 2024
Leentjie van Jaarsveld, Lāsma Latsone, Charl Wolhuter, Branwen Challens

This study explores the extensive influence of COVID-19 on the affective states of school principals and teachers. A comparative, qualitative study was conducted on Latvian and South African participants’ experiences during the pandemic, with a focus on leadership, change, extra workload, ICT, and uncertainty. A total of 59 participants from rural, urban, and private schools in both countries took part in this study. Data were collected by conducting interviews with open-ended questions after which themes were identified and grouped. The results demonstrated that the states of mind of Latvian school principals and teachers were more affected than those of South Africans for whom vaccination was not compulsory. Furthermore, it was found that technological adaptation was easier for Latvian than for South African educators. The role of the Department of Education has evoked mixed feelings. Leadership, and the lack of it, also influenced the affective states of school principals and teachers. Emotional support from society, family, and colleagues was experienced differently in Latvia than in South Africa. The results of this study revealed that a pandemic can be experienced differently by principals and teachers but also that there are similarities in these experiences, as no one is ever completely prepared for the effects of a pandemic.


Atslēgas vārdi
affective state | COVID-19 | job security | Latvia | leadership | principals | school environment | South Africa | support | teachers
DOI
10.3390/socsci13080394
Hipersaite
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/13/8/394

Van Jaarsveld, L., Latsone, L., Wolhuter, C., Challens, B. The Influence of the Pandemic on the Affective States of School Principals and Teachers: A Comparative Study between South Africa and Latvia. Social Sciences, 2024, Vol. 13, No. 8, Article number 394. e-ISSN 2076-0760. Available from: doi:10.3390/socsci13080394

Publikācijas valoda
English (en)
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