Education in times of pandemic in a portuguese school group: challenges, adaptations and lessons for the future

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic brought new challenges to Portuguese schools. Government measures to mitigate the spread of the virus led to the suspension of in-person teaching activities and the implementation of emergency remote learning. Within the context of the Doctoral Program in Educational Sciences at the University of Évora, research was conducted to examine how the Montemor-o-Novo School Group and its partners developed strategies to ensure educational continuity during the pandemic. The study was based on a mixed-method approach, with the following objectives: (1) to identify the measures implemented by the School Group during the pandemic; (2) to analyze the implications of these measures; (3) to assess the support provided by educational partners; (4) to understand the impact of emergency remote learning on teachers' and students' work; and (5) to propose adaptations in pedagogical practices for future implementation. To achieve this, guiding documents from the School Group were analyzed, semi-structured interviews were conducted and questionnaires were distributed to members of the School Group's leadership, teachers, technicians, parents, partners, and students. The results revealed a strong dynamic between the school, family, and community. The support of educational partners played a crucial role in maintaining education and mitigating social inequalities during emergency remote learning.