English Language Learners’ Challenges and Feasible Solutions Amidst Covid-19: A Narrative Review

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the educational landscape across the world, and it has caused significant disruptions in the teaching and learning process. English Language Learners (ELLs) are a vulnerable population that has been heavily impacted by this pandemic. The pandemic has presented a unique set of challenges for ELLs, such as limited access to technology, social isolation, and other difficulties.  Despite the significant impact of COVID-19 on ELLs, there is a lack of research on the challenges they faced and the coping strategies they used to navigate the pandemic, which indicates a need to explore ELLs' unique experiences.  The objective of this study, thus, is to examine the challenges faced by ELLs during the COVID-19 pandemic and the coping strategies they utilized to overcome these challenges. This study adopts a narrative review to synthesize and analyze existing literature on ELLs' experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.  The review identified several challenges faced by ELLs, including limited access to technology and reliable internet, and social isolation leading to lack of motivation and engagement. Feasible solutions to their challenges included having resources and support for technology and internet access, as well as having regular feedback and encouragement from their lecturers.  The review accentuates the need for university personnel and educators to develop innovative and responsive strategies to support ELLs during the pandemic and beyond.