STUDYING ENGLISH UNDER COVID-19 QUARANTINE: UKRAINIAN AND INDIAN STUDENTS’ PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

The article deals with Ukrainian and Indian students’ perspectives of studying English online during the pandemic. This study was conducted at National Technical University of Ukraine “Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute” and Bharat Vidyalaya, Buldana, Maharashtra, India. A mixed method research design was used in the study: quantitative and qualitative data were obtained from two surveys completed by students anonymously as Google Forms. The research indicated that more Indian than Ukrainian students confirmed that they prepared for the English class. While nearly a third of Ukrainian students’ suggestions on effectiveness of English lessons were about speaking and communication, Indian respondents also proposed preparation and revision. Indian students preferred learning something new to grades. Over half of Indian students and a third of Ukrainian students opted for working in groups. From the findings, we can see that most Indian and Ukrainian students had their working space, necessary devices and the Internet connection for studying online. Ukrainian students were more positive about feeling safer with their cameras turned off than Indian students. It was easier for most Indian and Ukrainian students to concentrate in a face-to-face class than in an online class. However, Indian students were mostly positive about studying English online. Most respondents indicated agreement about developing self-directed learning skills while studying English online. Ukrainian students chose speaking, reading and writing as skills better developed online, while Indian students opted for listening skills. The findings of the research provide valuable information related to students’ attitudes towards studying English online considering which may improve teaching and learning distantly. The research results show that despite understanding the necessity of studying online, some students are reluctant to accept it fully. Moreover, there are some intercultural differences related to social distance in the cultures.