Due to the global pandemic caused by the spread of coronavirus disease, the educational process has experienced very significant transformations – in the pedagogical process both pupils and parents, teachers and education policy makers have encountered essential challenges and an unprecedent experience The aim of the research, based on the theoretical study of the distance learning concept and empirical research, and finding out the teachers’ attitude towards distance learning, is to describe the Latvia experience in distance learning during COVID-19 conditions. The research's methodology is based on teacher survey, regulatory analysis, and concessional analysis. The study highlights problems in the context of distance learning and makes a significant contribution to further research. Analysing the results of the empirical study and outcomes of the survey, it has been concluded that teachers feel psycho-emotional and physiological overload due to distance education.   Keywords: distance learning; education; pedagogical process; pupil; teacher

In the distance learning process, teachers, students, parents and institutions must continue the teaching and learning process despite the various limitations. During the face-to-face learning process, instructions, concepts and feedback can be verbally communicated within a relatively short period of time; while teachers in the distance learning process must briefly express their thoughts in written form so that every student can clearly understand what is being done. It is not always an easy task. One of the challenges of the distance learning process is to find ways how to provide feedback to students in a timely and meaningful way to help them improve their performance, actively engage in the learning process, and not to lose the link between a student and a teacher. The article, using theoretical (scientific and methodological literature analysis) research methods, analyzes the concept and theoretical models of the distance learning process, describes the preconditions for feedback and the importance of feedback in the teaching and learning process. By analysing the importance of feedback, suggestions for improving the distance learning process have been developed.

Feedback delivery is an integral part of the learning process, which provides an effective teaching and learning process. Although students are primarily targeted to get a mark, there are a number of strategies that can be used to maximise students' involvement in the learning process, including providing effective feedback. Purposeful use of feedback through the pedagogical process contributes to a more active involvement of students by developing metacognitive skills (Nicol & Draper 2008). It is important to encourage students, in the learning process and outside it, to ensure reflection on feedback comments and to give preliminary assessment (Taras, 2003). The aim of the article is to update the importance of feedback in the pedagogical process by identifying theoretical regularity in the interpretation of the concept of feedback, as well as undertaking empirical research to clarify students' views on feedback and the effectiveness of its application in the learning process.

<p><em>Nowadays the innovative learning methods and approaches have been implemented in the learning process. Thus opportunities for the discovery of students` talents and abilities are created. Unfortunately, the lack of teachers` beliefs creates barriers in the process of discovering students` talents and abilities.  Teachers` beliefs are essential in the process of introduction of the learning method-debating in the lesson. Therefore, the change of teacher`s belief is important: from only talented students can debate to each student can debate. The lack of teacher`s beliefs in the learner's ability to become a successful learner questions the expected results. The interview carried out in Liepaja Secondary School No.15 showed that the teachers' opinion is that the pedagogical belief can be changed. The experience, feedback, teacher training, as well as success stories were mentioned as teachers` beliefs influencing factors. Teacher training programs were emphasized as an essential component for strengthening teachers` beliefs, acquiring new knowledge and developing the ability to accept personal responsibility for student growth. Most of the interviewed teachers admitted that their pedagogical beliefs have been changed by the achievements of their students as well.</em><em> </em></p><p> </p>

The issue of teacher’s professional competence is multidimensional and multifaceted, it depends on several aspects, including educational policy, system implemented in every country and the particular educational establishment, which the educator works for. Being aware of the current pedagogical reality, challenges of the education system, pupils’ needs and manifold learning and teaching strategies, educators need knowledge, skills and experience of different levels formed for each particular individual in combination of education and experience with their physical, psychological and mental abilities. The goal of the article is to identify the structure of teacher’s professional competence being conscious of the theoretical and normative framework on the international and national level. In the article the theoretical research methods (method of comparison and critical thinking) and empirical research methods (data collection and document analysis) have been applied. In the society, educational institutions, also being aware of the transformation process in the education content and branch, there is a demand for teachers with a high level of professional competence. Education policy makers have set a very broad and extensive professional competence standard, which includes in itself both aspects related to the professional activity and individual characteristics, features and values. At the same time, there are various theoretical approaches which describe the framework of teacher’s professional competence and its multidimensional characteristic. The authors of the article have identified general knowledge, skills and attitude, as well as pedagogical knowledge, skills and attitude in the framework of the teacher’s professional competence structure.