Psychological Strain and Challenges Encountered by Tertiary Teachers in the New Normal

Abstract

This study explores how teaching challenges impact the psychological strain of tertiary teachers. The challenges faced by tertiary teachers in the new normal are described, including technological insufficiency, digital literacy issues, lack of student motivation, reduced in-person interactions, learning environment distractions, and course structure and quality. The study investigates the teachers' experiences of psychological strain, leading to anxiety, stress, and depression. It explores the relationship between the teachers' profiles, encountered challenges, and manifestations of psychological strain. Additionally, it examines the connection between challenges and psychological strain in teachers. The respondents of the study were tertiary teachers from all campuses of Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology (NEUST), selected through purposive sampling. Older, married teachers in higher positions experience psychological strain such as anxiety, depression, and stress. While psychological strain affects their well-being, it does not significantly impact their teaching performance. Younger, single teachers, who are new to the profession, are more likely to face challenges in teaching performance due to their limited experience in coping with teaching changes. Teachers with higher educational attainment and in higher positions experience challenges related to the demands of teaching, particularly the difficulty of monitoring learning at home.