Is Flexible Learning Flexible for Teachers? An Investigation of the Current Situation of China’s Online Flexible EFL Teaching During the COVID-19 Outbreak

This study investigated the current situation of online flexible teaching in Chinese primary and middle schools, its impact on EFL teachers and the corresponding measures. An online survey regarding the basic condition of flexible teaching was conducted to 2,051 EFL teachers from different provinces in China. The results showed that online flexible teaching has been carried out in primary and middle schools nationwide in China. Varied online platforms and materials were applied by EFL teachers. Though the experiences of flexible teaching have had positive impact on their professional development, they have been confronted with lots of difficulties from different aspects. Therefore, to achieve effective flexible teaching, EFL teachers should be familiar with different teaching tools, prepare abundant teaching resources, and design effective teaching activities. Besides, other parties are supposed to provide sufficient support for them.