Transcript: Review of English Teaching and Learning

Vol. 3 No. 2; November 2021

Problems of Learning English in the Era of

Pandemic Covid-19 at MTsN Sorong
1Miftahulfadlik Dabamona; 2Mawadda Rahanyamtel
1English Education Department, Faculty of Education, Institut Agama Islam Negeri
Sorong, Indonesia
2English Education Department, Faculty of Education, Institut Agama Islam Negeri

Sorong, Indonesia

Corresponding Author
miftahulfadlik@gmail.com

Article history Abstract

Received : The current situation makes educational units to carry out
Accepted : learning at home by utilizing existing technology. This
Published:
study aims to find out and dig deeper into the problems
faced by students when learning English during the
Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic at MTsN students in Kota Sorong The
Learning English; Covid- researcher used a descriptive qualitative approach. This
19, Google Classroom research was conducted at MTsN Kota Sorong involving 9F
grade students. This study also uses data triangulation to
test the validity of the data by combining observations,
interviews and documents as data collection instruments
to obtain data from sources. The results of this study are
the views and experiences of students against obstacles
during the English learning process during the COVID-19
pandemic, using Google Classroom as a support for
student learning at home. This study also found obstacles
in the internet network and the environment used as a
learning place that did not support learning during the
COVID-19 pandemic.

This is an open access article under CC by 4.0 license

INTRODUCTION
Educational institutions in Indonesia face challenging circumstances when
the number of Covid-19 victims rises dramatically throughout the year.
Simultaneously, the government regulates several health protocols to
prevent spreading viruses, including social distancing to reduce person-to-
person contact. This results in restricted conventional face to face learning
at school, and school administrators are ordered to conduct virtual meeting
or learning.
The current situation encourages educational units to make changes in the
teaching and learning process, which was initially through face-to-face
between teachers and students, which were transferred to online learning.
Online learning that is currently being carried out is of course inseparable
from problems, especially for one education in the city of Sorong, namely
students of MTsN City of Sorong who are currently doing online learning.

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The change in learning styles that started from conventional and now must
be implemented for learning through the network is not as easy as
imagined, because e-learning is a new learning model implemented for
students throughout Indonesia. When a reasonably in-depth study is
required, the transformation of offline to online learning that is
implemented to learners is required, because students who are used to
taking offline learning will find it difficult to live by, and the current
scenario forces children to participate in online learning. There are several
applications that students and teachers have used during the online
learning process, such as Google classroom, WA, YouTube, and Google
class meetings. As we know that we have entered the era of revolution 4.0
which is increasingly sophisticated. The problem is that not all students
can use the applications that are presented to them. Not only students who
are clueless about technology, some teachers who are elderly are also still
confused about operating the applications they use for online learning.
Not only do the problems above occur during the online teaching and
learning process, but there are also low costs in purchasing internet quota
for families who have an average economy. These conditions make them
overwhelmed and think even harder to find additional costs. This should be
a concern for the government to review related distance learning. Whereas
the 1945 Constitution has guaranteed that only every citizen has the right
to receive a much better education. This is contrary to the facts and reality.
Not only that, but many also found inadequate network strength such as
students living in remote areas, it was difficult for them to get a good signal.
This often happens to participants, so it can be said that online learning is
not very effective in being implemented for students in distance learning.
During online learning in several schools, one of which is at MTsN Sorong
City. Found several obstacles faced by students and teachers when online
learning was applied. The use of media that is not familiar to students and
teachers makes learning a little less smooth. Situations and conditions
make students and teachers at schools take advantage of media such as
Google Classroom, Google Meet, and WhatsApp. At this time we are also in
the middle of the 4.0 revolution era which demands for better use of
existing technology. It's the same with IAIN Sorong students who use the
Zoom application in online learning during the covid-19 pandemic.
However, the installation process that requires an internet network and
sufficient file capacity require a lot of storage space.
In this case, students also find it difficult to digest the explanations of
online learning materials from the teacher in the form of videos and papers,
such as English material that is less digested by students through learning
videos made by teachers by utilizing existing technology and media, such as
Google Classroom and YouTube. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate in-
depth related to online learning by taking into account the social and
economic conditions of the students who are quite a lot less able to buy
internet quotas as well as the readiness of students and teachers to face the
transformation of online learning.
Based on the background of the study above, the purpose of this study was
to analyze Problems of Learning English In the Era of the Pandemic Covid-
19 at MTsN Sorong. Also, the researcher formulated a research problem in

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the form of a research question: What the Problems of Learning English In

the Era of the Pandemic Covid-19 at MTsN Sorong?
Learning English
In Indonesia, English is typically taught as an undiscovered language. In
the realm of language instruction, the term 'unknown dialect' is not the
same as 'language second.' Unknown dialect is languages that are not used
as a means of communication in specific countries where language is
taught. The term "impermanent a subsequent language" refers to a
language that isn't the primary language but has become one of the
most widely spoken languages in a nation. While unknown dialect is
frequently taught as one of the primary exercises at school for the
purpose of fundamental correspondence and mastering four language
abilities (tuning in, reading, writing, and communicating in) in that
language inside specified contexts.
Covid-19
Covid-19 is a container that emerged at the end of 2019 in the City of
Wuhan, China. The government decided to implement social distancing
considering the widespread of the virus-19 so that the government appealed
to all people to always eat masks, keep their distance, and wash their
hands. This step is to break the chain of the spread of covid-19. In addition,
the emergence of COVID-19 is the biggest challenge that must be faced by
the current national education system, because in a fairly short time the
government has instructed that learning be done online. As one of most, In
May and June 2020, UNICEF ran a poll through SMS, Whatsapp, and
Facebook Messenger, which received responses from over 4000 students
across Indonesia. Mostly in the form of not being able to study at home
(66%) (Unicef, 2020). We might consider the deployment of online learning
to be unsuccessful if many students are uncomfortable completing learning
activities. The limitations of supporting facilities become a problem when it
comes to carrying out tasks. Apart from the efficiency of time and location,
the studies indicate that if additional efforts are not made, online learning
activities will not provide effective learning outcomes. This may be
accomplished by utilizing the benefits of integrating online learning.
Online Learning
Online learning is a method that allows students to study more broadly,
more extensively, and in a more diverse manner. Students may learn
whenever and wherever they choose because to the system's features, which
allow them to be unrestricted by distance, location, or time. What is taught
in learning materials is increasingly diversified, not just in terms of
linguistic form, but also in terms of visual, audio, and motion. In general,
online learning differs significantly from traditional learning. Online
learning places a greater emphasis on students' accuracy and foresight in
absorbing and digesting the information given.
The Previous Study
Learning has been using face-to-face with the teacher in the classroom, but
since the emergence of the epidemic that has spread throughout the world,
learning has changed drastically. From what was originally learning in the

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classroom, moving to online learning according to instructions from the

government in order to break the chain of covid-19.
The first previous study was conducted by Ulfan Mulyawan 2020 “Online
Learning Problems; Language Learning Barriers English Students”. This
study aims to determine the readiness of students and teaching staff to face
the massively transferred learning system, namely online learning. The
researcher used a sample of 15 students and used observation and
interviews to collect data. This study does not completely contain obstacles;
there are some students who carry out learning well. However, because this
research focuses on the obstacles or problems of students in learning
English during the covid-19 pandemic. There are some common problems
that researchers found during the observation, namely; 1) There is a delay
from the subject is participating in online class activities. 2) Existence
tendency not to take activities seriously learning that with the fact that
students during learning to do other activities such as playing games,
watching TV, listening to music and related matters such as the findings
above. 3) less maximum time and ability companion during the learning
process is good because do not have sufficient understanding of related
materials or other activities or work to be done.
The second study was “Problematika Pembelajaran Bahasa Inggris di SDN
021 Sungai Kunjang samarinda. Conducted by Muhammad Ichsan. The
purpose of this study is that researchers want to describe the problems in
learning by English teachers and at the same time describe solutions to
problems experienced by teachers during the process of learning English.
This researcher uses qualitative research with a descriptive approach
involving students of SDN 021 Sungai Kunjang Samarinda. Researchers
used the instruments of observation, interviews, and documentation as a
step for data collection. The results of the data were analyzed using
descriptive-analytic analysis techniques, namely describing and critically
analyzing all phenomena found in the field so as to produce objective
research conclusions. The results showed that the teacher's problems in
learning English at SDN 021 were; (1) The teacher has problems in the
preparation of the syllabus and lesson plans. (2) Some students have low
motivation in learning. (3) Dependence on teaching resources on textbooks
and worksheets and there are students who do not have books. (4) Teachers
are reluctant to use audio-visual media, especially LCDs in learning. (5)
Less study time allocation. (6) The teacher forgets to make a summary and
forgets to reflect in the final activity of the learning implementation. To
overcome these problems, (1) The teacher discusses with colleagues in an
English teacher working group (KKG) in preparing the syllabus and reads a
lot of examples of lesson plans on the internet in preparing lesson plans. (2)
Visiting students with low learning motivation and taking a heart-to-heart
approach so that the student's learning motivation rises. (3) Make an offer
to students who do not have textbooks and worksheets to photocopy the
material. (4) Teachers need to find complementary materials from the
internet. (5) The teacher must prepare the material beforehand on the
laptop so that the class is ready to appear with the LCD. Maximizing
appropriate teaching media such as audio-visual media and LCD. (6) The
teacher must be aware that making summaries will make it easier for
students to understand and remember the lesson, while reflection makes

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students understand the purpose of the learning they have experienced so

that it will affect their positive attitude.
The third previous study conducted by Muammar Qadafi “Learning English
for Children at Sangkhom IslamWitaya School during the Covid-19
Pandemic” This study aims to identify and describe the problems and
strategies used by teachers in learning English for early childhood during
the COVID-19 outbreak at Sangkhom Islam Wittaya Thai School. This study
using qualitative research with a case study approach. The subjects of this
study were 3 teachers from Indonesia. The results of an interview with an
English teacher, from Kota Palembang, Indonesia, show that there
areseveral problems that arise when home study rules are set. First, the
teacher’s problems are related to changes in various methods and
techniques of learning activities that have been designed at the beginning of
the semester. Second, the problem of students in the form of a stigma that
learning activities (schools) must be in an educational institution, when you
are at home it means you are on vacation. Third, parents as central actors
in home education are also not spared of various problems. In addition, the
problem of skills in using IT-based work tools and the internet is also a
challenge in itself and takes time to adapt. The last problem is related to the
supporting aspects of learning in the form of facilities/infrastructure or
basic infrastructure in the form of easy internet access and assistance from
the government/foundation to ease the burden on parents and teachers
who have to incur additional costs to provide various learning tools as well
as to access the internet.
Between the three studies mentioned above and this one, there are some
similarities and differences. The challenges with learning in the age of the
covid epidemic are the first and second research parallels. The distinction
between the first and second studies is that the first examines students'
and faculty's readiness to transition from online to online learning, whereas
the second examines instructor issues during online learning. This third
study, unlike the first two, employs a qualitative research methodology with
case studies; nevertheless, it differs in terms of location and subject.
Covid-19
The new acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has
emerged, causing the infectious condition known as coronavirus disease
2019 for the second time (COVID-19). This virus was first discovered and
reported in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. SARS-CoV-2 is a highly
contagious virus that spread internationally in a short period of time,
prompting the World Health Organization to designate it a global pandemic
on March 11, 2020. Furthermore, the number of cases continues to climb
over the world, posing a severe public health threat.
Learning in the era of covid-19
Many countries, including Indonesia, have used regulations such as
lockdowns, physical separation, self-isolation, and travel restrictions in an
attempt to break the chain of COVID-19 propagation. The spread of the
coronavirus had a major influence on the economy and social sphere at
first, but it is now influencing education as well. The COVID-19 epidemic
has impacted all levels of schooling, including pre-school, primary,
secondary, and postsecondary. According to an ABC News article from

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March 7, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused school and college
cancellations in more than a dozen countries. Students, in this example
high school and college students, are forced to study, talk, complete
homework, and take tests utilizing internet media while at home. COVID-
19's learning innovation impact offers a new paradigm for educational
institutions, in which the learning process is no longer described as needing
to take place face-to-face in the classroom. Students and educators are
forced and required to comprehend the information technology system and
apply it to enhance the quality of education as a result of the policy of
learning from home.
The impact of covid-19 on education
The Learning Process at School on Covid-19
Schools are the ideal settings to conduct learning activities in the
framework of attempts to develop knowledge and skills. Nevertheless, due to
the spread of the coronavirus, learning activities had to be paused. Carlsson
shows where teenagers in Sweden have a variable number of days to
prepare for crucial assessments in an essay. These differences are
conditionally random, and the authors presume that the conditions in
Indonesia are the same. Jonsson, that attending school will increase
students' memory capacity. Refer to Carlsson if on the knowledge use test
and it is assumed that every missing school for 10 days is 1 percent of the
standard deviation then school students then in 12 weeks or 60 days of
school they will lose 6% of standard deviation. This is not a trifling
situation. Students' knowledge will be interrupted in the future by more
complicated knowledge challenges. The similarities between Indonesia's
condition and that of other countries throughout the world must be
addressed as soon as possible. There are considerable differences between
regions under regular circumstances. The Ministry of Education, led by
Minister Nadiem Makarim, reiterated the idea of enhancing student
productivity in order to boost career prospects after graduation. However, in
the face of a sudden Covid-19 epidemic, the world of education in Indonesia
must go with the flow if it is to help the school's condition in this emergency
circumstance. Schools must make it mandatory for students to use online
media. However, in the face of a sudden Covid-19 pandemic, Indonesian
education must go with the flow if the school's condition is to be improved
in these emergency conditions. Students must be required to use Internet
media in school.
Limitations of Mastery of Information Technology by Teachers and
Students.
Teachers in Indonesia do not properly comprehend the use of technology, as
evidenced by those who were born before the 1980s. They are unable to use
internet media due to technological limits. with pupils who are in almost
the same situation as the professors in question and who have a good
understanding of how to use technology with pupils who are in almost the
same situation as the professors in question and who have a good
understanding of how to use technology.
Insufficient Facilities and Infrastructure

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Technology support equipment are costly. Many Indonesian teachers are

still in precarious financial situations. Teachers' and pupils' well-being,
which prevents them from having complete access to information
technology facilities and infrastructure, which are critical in the event of a
crisis. This Covid-19 is a product of Covid.
Limited Internet access
In outlying areas of the country, the internet network is still not evenly
dispersed. The internet is not available in all educational institutions,
including primary and secondary schools. Even if an internet network
exists, the situation is insufficient to cover online media.
The challenge of learning English in the pandemic era
Learning during the Covid-19 epidemic poses several hurdles and issues,
according to past analysis. From early childhood to higher education, all
units of education encounter obstacles and concerns. Also discovered that
when the courses taught must incorporate ethical principles, critical
thinking, analytical thinking, and communication skills, the shift in
learning modalities from face-to-face to online becomes more difficult.
Conducted a study in China and discovered three obstacles. The following
are the most important components of online learning in this pandemic
condition. First, there is a shortage of time to prepare for the transition
from offline to online learning resources. Teachers and students have never
met face-to-face or through blended learning in this long time of online
learning, therefore they should not feel alienated in the learning process
because of the loss of direct interaction they used to have.
School closures in South Korea as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic have
prompted reaction education. The amenities are adequate, and South
Korea's national curriculum is well suited to online learning. Other hurdles
in the implementation of online learning include educational imbalance
amongst students due to familial pressures and financial concerns
interfering with the learning process. The examination of difficulties and
potential in virtual learning experiences was conducted with 27 (twenty-
seven) potential English teachers in Chili. The lack of direct engagement
with students and abrupt changes in learning environments were identified
to be the most influencing elements in online learning in the country.
Students used Google Classroom and WhatsApp services to research a
setting similar to that of Bali, Indonesia. The limitations of supporting
facilities such as computers and internet connections are among the issues
encountered in the implementation of learning. As a result, a large number
of participants claimed that online learning was ineffective.
Learning during the covid-19 pandemic
Online learning necessitates both instructor innovation and technological
proficiency. Students must also be able to use network tools for learning,
such as Zoom and a variety of other programs. Although it has the potential
to support learning in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, it faces challenges
due to other issues such as a lack of smooth network access, the burden of
data costs to access expensive applications, teachers' unpreparedness to
adapt to technology, and parents who are less synergistic, professors
accompanying students to their homes to study, and pupils who are

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emotionally and socially isolated from their peers. One of the most
significant aspects of learning is the learning method. The strategies utilized
by the teacher during the learning process play a big role in creating
interesting learning dynamics. As a result, the learning technique is a
critical component of the learning system for making learning more
engaging and making it easier for students to comprehend the content of
the teacher's teaching materials. The success of online learning is
influenced by several elements, the most important of which is its
effectiveness. Two factors have an impact on online learning:
Technology, which is linked to network settings, is required. Students and
teachers must have easy access to each other for information to be
exchanged.
Learning that is supplied directly conventionally, according to Leidner, is
more ideal for students who do not have basic talents ability and high self-
discipline, but online learning is more suitable for students who are smart,
disciplined, and has strong self-confidence.
Google Classroom Application
Learning may be accomplished in a variety of ways, one of which is
through the use of Google for Education. Google for Education is an
intriguing Google invention for teaching learning activities. Google for
Education offers a variety of educational services, including: Google
Classroom, Google Calendar, Google Mail, Google Drive, and Google
Docs are some of the most popular Google services. Google Classroom
(or Google Classroom in Indonesian) is a portal blended learning that
applies to any educational environment to discover a way out of the
challenges of producing, distributing, and classifying each
assignment without the use of paper (Julia, Mahrita ). Google Class is
a web-based tool that allows you to create virtual classes.
Furthermore, Google Classes may be used to distribute assignments,
submit tasks, and even grade provided assignments (Herman in
Hammi).
Google Classroom is an application that is needed by all levels of education
in this era of the covid-19 outbreak, with interesting features that make it
easier for students to learn in situations like this. because in a situation
like this, students are required to study independently in their respective
homes.

METHOD
The qualitative method was applied in this study. Attempting to
comprehend and interpret the significance of a behavioral interaction
human behavior in certain conditions from the researcher's point of view.
Qualitative approaches have natural characteristics in that they provide for
a deeper understanding of the subjects' perspectives on their English
learning experience. The researcher chose this strategy because it has the
advantages of using a naturalistic setting with no intervention or
manipulation of factors. The location of this research is MTsN Kota Sorong
which located at Remu Selatan, Kecamatan Sorong Manoi, Kota

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This study uses a qualitative method. Qualitative research methods are also
often referred to as naturalistic research because the research is carried out
in natural conditions. Further by Prof. Research. Dr. Eri Barlian, MS in his
book qualitative research is research that intends to understand the
phenomenon of what is experienced by the research subject, for example:
behavior, perception, motivation, action and others holistically and by way
of description in the form of words and language, in a specific natural
context and by utilizing various methods natural. In this case, the
researcher analyzed how the problems faced by MTsN Sorong City students
in learning English during the current covid-19 pandemic.
Data is a collection of facts in the form of empirical observations on study
variables that is kept in a database. Text, pictures, audio, and combinations
are all examples of data. There are two types of data usefulness, main data
and secondary data, as seen from the perspective of the process: The data
for this investigation was collected using the triangulation approach.
Triangulation alluded to the utilized of more than one technique for
information assortment with the essential objective is to acquire most
extravagant and detail understanding about wonders of interest. The
following methods as follows:

Observation
Observations are activities that have been systematically planned and
recorded, and these observations must be related to the research objectives
and not described as an interesting set, because they must be checked and
controlled for reliability. The function of using the observation instrument is
to observe problems in learning English during the covid-19 pandemic. The
researcher then assumed the role of observer-as-participant to obtain
accurate data as naturally as possible. This means that interactions with
participants are more likely to be formal and structured, such as through
less informal interaction and asking a brief question related to the study's
purpose. Related to the purpose of this study, the researcher observed
students at school and through assignments through online learning while
students were at home.

Interview
The interview method is the primary data collection tool in this study. Open
interviews are utilized in qualitative research so that the participants are
aware that they are being interviewed as well as the interview's objective
and purpose. Researchers employed semi-interviews in this investigation as
well, because it causes the researcher to ask new questions not included in
the scheduled questions, and because it causes the researcher to change
the order and use different terms during the interview.
Steps of conducting the interview were: (1) Compiling a list of questions that
will be addressed to participants when they want to conduct interviews, the
researcher will also add questions if during the interview there is something
that needs to be added to know more in-depth during the interview; (2) Ask
the participants for permission if they can be interviewed as well as make
an appointment to interview with the participant; (3) The interview will be
conducted with an online interview with a one-to-one pattern and during
the interview, the conversation will be recorded and recorded; (4) To

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eliminate misunderstandings between researchers and participants, the

interview will be conducted in both English and Indonesian.

Documents
Documents are one of the study instruments used in qualitative research.
The purpose of employing a document is to gather detailed information by
seeing, capturing, and recording any data connected to the subject of this
study. Some argue that records are important because they provide
confirmation that the study was conducted by the researcher. As a result,
in this study, the researcher gathered all essential data from the
observation and interview procedure in the form of photographs or videos to
aid data collection and interpretation.
Technique of Data Analysis
The qualitative data analysis used in this study is based on observations,
interviews, and documentation. According to Miles and Huberman in Asep
Kurniawan, the analytical tasks include data reduction, data presentation,
and conclusion drafting. The explanation is as follows:
Reduction
The process of sorting, categorizing, concentrating, and reducing material
from field notes is known as reduction. There is a lot of data in the field that
has to be meticulously recorded. Researchers use questions that need to be
answered to reduce data. facilitating the drawing of conclusions.

Data Display
After data collection is reduced, which is often used in presenting
qualitative research data, namely with a narrative to make it easier to make
conclusions, decisions in action, by displaying data it can find things
simpler to know what has happened so that an evaluation can be carried
out to achieve research objectives.
Conclusion Drawing/ Verification
The final results generated based on the collected data and examination is
used to prepare conclusions. The descriptive conclusions given from the
field are the outcomes of research.

Research Instrumen
In qualitative research, the instrument in the research is the researcher. As
for the instrument in this study, qualitative research as a human
instrument, serves as a source of determining the focus of research,
selecting informants as data sources, collecting data, analyzing data,
interpreting, and making conclusions on the data findings. According to
Nasution (1988) researchers as a suitable research instrument for similar
research because it has the following characteristics:
The researcher as a sensitive tool and can react to all stimuli from the
environment that must be estimated to be meaningful or not for research.
Researchers, as a tool, can adapt to any circumstance and capture a wide
range of data at simultaneously.

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Each circumstance is unique. There is no test or questionnaire that can

adequately represent the complete human situation. Knowledge alone is
insufficient to comprehend a scenario requiring human interaction. To
comprehend it, we must experience it frequently and delve into it with our
understanding. The researchers as an instrument can immediately analyze
the data obtained, he can interpret it, give birth to hypotheses immediately
to determine the direction of observation for hypothesis tests that arise
immediately. Only people, acting as instruments, can make conclusions
based on data acquired at a single point in time and utilize it as instant
feedback to validate improvements or slowdowns.

Data Validity Test

Based on the book by Prof. Dr. Sugiyono, 2012, that there are several tests
of data credibility in qualitative research, namely with extended
observations, increased persistence in research, triangulation, discussions
with colleagues, negative case analysis, and member checks.

Figure 1.0 Data Credibility Test in Qualitative Research

Triangulasi
Triangulation is qualitative cross-validation. It assesses the sufficiency of
the data according to the convergence of multiple data or multiple data
collection procedures. Triangulation in this credibility test is interpreted as
checking data from various sources in various ways and at various times. In
this case, the researcher used source triangulation to check the data
obtained from the source, namely the students of MTsN Kota Sorong about
the problem of funding student experiences in learning English at home
during the pandemic. The data from these students are described,
categorized, which views are the same, which are different, and which are
specific from the data source. The data analyzed by the researcher so as to
produce a conclusion, then an agreement was requested with the data
source, namely the students of MTsN Sorong City.

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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Finding of Research
In this chapter, the researcher will give information and study findings
related to the issues raised in Chapter I, namely how problem students to
learn English during the covid-19 epidemic. Researchers utilized
observation, documentation, and interview approaches with students at
MTsN Kota Sorong to acquire the data for this study. The conclusions of the
study are presented below. This researcher also employs qualitative
research techniques. Qualitative research is a type of study that generates
descriptive data in the form of written or spoken words about a person or
activity that has been seen. The interviews, which lasted 10 to 15 minutes,
were carefully documented and recorded by the researcher. The interview
was divided into three parts, the first discussed the obstacles and barriers
of students when learning online, the second explained the impacts and
problems when learning English at home during the COVID-19 pandemic
by students, and the third discussed the process and use of Google
Classroom as a medium for online learning. After the data has been
collected, the following step is to listen to the recorded student interviews
that were conducted in response to the questions that were posed. While
recalling the answers that were displayed, the researchers then described
the results as follows:
Challenges and barriers to online learning during the COVID-19
pandemic.
Problems faced by students when online learning during the covid-19
pandemic. (Reported by 5 of 5 participants):
Based on interviews conducted by researchers, not a few participants had
their problems when learning online during the current pandemic.
Participant 1 stated, “I find it difficult to understand learning when online,
and also have difficulty understanding the material when online learning”.
It also add by Participant 3 who said “I am less enthusiastic when learning
online, because it is not explained by the teacher directly, it makes me a
little less understanding what is conveyed by the teacher online”.
Furthermore, Participant 5 I am more comfortable studying offline than
online. Because, if we do not understand the material conveyed by the
teacher, we can ask the teacher directly”. Then, two other participants said
that the difficulties in online learning are currently.
The researcher also found during interviews that most of the time they were
not comfortable studying at home. In addition, there are also those who say
that they are less enthusiastic about studying at home than at school
because they are constrained by an unstable internet network. Participant 4
said “I am more comfortable studying offline than online learning, because
usually the network is not good. It makes me think it's better to study at
school, because busy is not the same as at home, which is quieter when
studying”. Furthermore, 4 out of 5 participants found it difficult and
uncomfortable in online learning, plus the network was less stable when
studying.

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English learning process during the covid-19 pandemic (Reported by

5 of 5 participants):
a) Students' obstacles when learning English at home in the era of the
covid-19 pandemic. (Reported by 5 of 5 participants):
Based on the information gathered during the interview session by the
researcher, participants 1 mentioned “I have a problem when learning
English online. At school, I don't think I really understand when the teacher
explains. However, I am afraid to ask questions, let alone study alone at
home without any assistance from my parents”. The participant 2
mentioned “I'm not very good at learning English at home when online,
because when I want to watch learning videos from teachers, sometimes it's
also difficult because the Wi-Fi I use for studying is a bit far from home”.
Moreover, participant 5 also mentioned, “I had a little trouble when I was
given an assignment by the teacher. After I do and want to deposit the task
because the network I use is not good, the task is deleted. That’s what
pissed me off”. 2 out of 5 participants said during the interview that so far
they have not encountered any problems in learning English, and the
material and explanations provided by the teacher are easy for them to
understand well.
The impact of online learning on English lessons for students
(Reported by 2 of 5 participant)
The participant 1 began this question with answering that, “The thing I
experienced when learning English online was, when studying at home I
was more focused and also because the Wi-Fi was far from my house.” The
participant 5 said, “The impact that I experience when learning English
during the current pandemic is that the network is sometimes not good, if
we study at school, we can directly ask Mom if we understand the English
lesson.”
Learning using the Google Classroom Application
Utilization of Google Classroom for online learning. (Reported by 5 of
5 participants):
The participant 1 said, “Usually I use Google Classroom to see the material,
the English assignment that the teacher gave me. Not only that, sometimes
I also collect assignments given by the teacher in Google Classroom.
However, due to the bad network the form to collect the task sometimes
can't open. The participant 2 mentioned, “I use the Google Classroom
application to collect assignments and also sometimes answer directly to
the teacher directly. Sometimes also because of the many English
assignments, both videos and pictures, making the internal storage full
quickly and making the task unable to send. So this makes me happier to
study at school. 3 out of 5 participants said that their experience using
Google Classroom was very good; it was not so difficult for them to
understand how to use the application. In addition, in the division of
classes and assignments.
b) Obstacles when learning to use the Goggle Classroom application with an
internet network that is less stable during the pandemic. (Reported by 5 of
5 participant)

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The most significant impediment to online learning is a poor network

connection. The participant 1 mentioned, “My experience using the Google
classroom application when I got an unstable internet problem, I tried
restarting my cellphone and trying to re-enter the application so I didn't
miss the lesson, this makes the internet quota quickly run out faster”.
Besides that, the participant 3 said, “I have to wait a while to be able to
view materials or assignments due to network problems”. Added by the
statement from participant 4, “I used Wi-Fi when I was taking lessons and
suddenly had internet network problems, I immediately switched to using
quota to get a better network”. 2 out of 5 participants said that, when
learning to use Google Classroom, they did not have any problems until
now. Because it is supported by Wi-Fi which is good enough to be used
during the current pandemic.
The advantages of using the Google classroom application. (Reported
by 2 of 5 participant)
Based on information collected by researcher on interview session,
participants 4 mentioned, “During online learning, I enjoy using Google
Classroom, because it is very easy to study at home”. Participant 5 also said
that, "using the Google classroom application to study, it makes it easier for
me to send assignments from home even though I have to be patient”.

Discussions of Research
The purpose of this study is to find out the problems in learning English in
the current covid-19 pandemic. The findings of this study then demonstrate
that the literature evaluated by researchers in the previous chapter has
offered considerable support for the present function of online learning in
the learning process. then explained about the learning situation that was
very different from before, which was initially studied at school or face-to-
face, due to current conditions that made it impossible to study at school in
the end had to be transferred to home. it raises its own problems and
challenges for students to learn, as explained by several participants. That
is, the feeling when online learning is applied makes them confused, but
gradually they get used to using online learning, and the lack of
socialization related to online learning to students and educators. On the
other hand, students are more comfortable and happy to use offline
learning compared to online learning, on the grounds that it makes them
bored. This is supported by another study from Mastura, Rustan Santaria
who said that Students who usually take part in learning in class with
friends must be faced with studying at home alone so that students feel
bored. When seen from the perspective of various learners, this leads pupils
to be sluggish in assimilating information. Some students are quick to pick
up new information, while others are slow to absorb it, causing them to fall
behind in their studies.
Based on research findings, there are problems that are felt and
experienced by students in learning during the covid pandemic period
which are divided into three aspects:
Challenges and barriers to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
English learning process during the covid-19 pandemic

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Learning using the Google Classroom Application

The first topic shows that individuals have had obstacles and challenges
when learning online, can be seen below: (1) Students may study more
generally, more thoroughly, and in a more diversified manner using online
learning. Because of the system's characteristics, students may learn
whenever and wherever they choose because they are not limited by
distance, location, or time. (2) the inconvenience of students in learning
when online and the internet network that is less supportive during online
learning, this can hinder the student learning process. (3) The lack of
knowledge in describing how to use online learning is a challenge for pupils.
(4) Lack of interaction among students during online learning during the
current pandemic.
The second theme is the problems in learning English by students when
online. This shows that: (1) the explanation of the English material delivered
by the teacher online by utilizing the existing media, still makes students
not fully understand the explanation from the teacher. Moreover, it is rare
for teachers to hold learning via video conference, which allows students to
ask questions directly to the teacher concerned. Only provide written
material and learning videos to students. This makes learning run less
effective and maximal. (2) With the current situation, it is difficult for
students and they are faced with obstacles when learning English at home
independently without any assistance from their parents, making them
more comfortable studying at school. (3) The lack of time that students have
makes them not so deep into the learning materials and assignments given
to them.
The third theme found is, when students access Google Classroom to see
learning materials and assignments given by teachers to students who are
less effective, they are: (1) the use of this application depends on the
internet network that is less supportive. Students must restart their
cellphones to be able to access the Google Classroom application again. (2)
Although most students use Wi-Fi at home, this is not without the unstable
internet network. So that it makes students late in collecting their
assignments can be one to two days. (3) students are required to take
lessons every day, but they have to buy internet packages or buy wifi every
day in neighbors to not miss lessons, because not all students get internet
credit assistance from the government to support the process of online
learning.

CONCLUSION
The purpose of this study is to find out how difficult it is for students to
learn English in the midst of the current covid-19 outbreak, which makes
them obliged to study at home to avoid crowds that can increase the
transmission of covid-19.
In addition to this pandemic, students must be adept at utilizing existing
technology to help learn in online classrooms. In order to take courageous
classes, students have to leave the house to look for internet resources to be
able to access courageous learning and even ride neighbors to use Wi-Fi in
order not to miss lessons.

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Based on the data obtained from the participants, they prefer to study at
school rather than at home, if learning is done face-to-face, students can
interact actively with fellow students, teachers. Good at working together to
learn, complete projects, to playing and joking after receiving learning
material that makes them not bored quickly. Anxiety experienced by
students in learning English also faces obstacles during online classes,
because when they are at home they are more lazy and less motivated so
that the material presented by the teacher is not conveyed properly, the
tasks given to students are more than offline classes, smartphones are
sometimes error when uploading tasks and unstable network. This makes
them happier and more comfortable learning English at school than at
home. The last factor that hinders students today is that not all students
get internet packages from the government, so they have to spend on Wi-Fi
to be able to take part in online learning.
The researcher will make some recommendations based on the above-
mentioned findings. These suggestions, perhaps, will be valuable to readers,
particularly students and future researchers. This research is expected to
help students in improving their online learning skills. By examining the
shortcomings that exist in online learning through the Google Classroom
application, it is then updated to meet the needs of each student. According
to the researcher, the following researchers can observe qualitative
approaches for additional information on how to get more in-depth
information about the issues that students encounter when studying
English online. By choosing more students from diverse generations, future
researchers will be able to apply quantitative approaches.

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