The Impact of COVID-19 on Student Engagement in Academic Skills

This report examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student engagement in academic skills. The study employs both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, including questionnaires and interviews, to gather data from university students. The findings reveal a significant negative impact of the pandemic on student engagement, with factors such as the shift to online learning, reduced concentration levels, and increased psychological pressure. The analysis delves into the mental health impacts, including stress and uncertainty, and explores the role of adaptability in maintaining engagement levels. The report concludes with recommendations for effective management strategies, such as enhancing communication and providing timely feedback, to mitigate the negative effects of the pandemic and support student success in a changing educational landscape. The study highlights the need for universities to adapt and provide support to students during these challenging times.

Academic skills
Assessment 2
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Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Methodology:...................................................................................................................................3
Analysis and interpretation of collected information.......................................................................6
Interview questions:.......................................................................................................................15
Recommendations..........................................................................................................................17
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................18
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................19
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Topic: “The impact of the COVID- 19 to student engagement is for academic skills.”
Introduction
The present situation of Covid-19 affected different parts of the world in a drastic
manner. Different industries and organisations have been impacted in a negative manner and are
working towards development of measures to be with this pandemic. Students have also been
affected a lot because of this covid-19 pandemic situation. Present report is based on analysing
the situation of covid-19 pandemic and the present student engagement level (Borup and et. al
2020). There has been a relationship between adaptability and student engagement process in
universities and educational institutions. The report is dealing with collection of primary form of
information from students to analyse their viewpoints with respect to the impact on their
engagement level. For this purpose your different type of qualitative and quantitative form of
information is also taken into consideration for the purpose of teaching relevant conclusions and
recommendations.
Background of the topic:
In response to the present covid-19 pandemic there has been suspending of physical classes
but universities are working towards efforts to have online classroom so that the learning process
does not stops under unprecedented circumstances (Lowenthal and et. al., 2020). There is also
need to contribute towards the gap in knowledge that is arising because of internal mechanism
and the relationship between student engagement and covid-19 situation. For this purpose there
is requirement to the search and collect relevant information by taking into consideration student
view points. For this there is requirement to analyse the present economic to make emotions of
students (Garris and Fleck, 2020). This report is going to highlight the present mental state of
students with respect to their engagement level in this changing economic situation.
Methodology:
Quantitative method: It includes the numerical form of information it is a research strategy that
is focused on quantifying the collection process and analysis of data (Singhal, 2020). It is based
on deductive approach that is testing of a theory.
Qualitative method: Qualitative research method is based on data obtained by the researcher by
application of first hand information that is questionnaire, focus groups, participants,
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observations etc. in present research report there is use of interview method for the purpose of
collecting the qualitative form of information and there is use of questionnaire for the objective
of collecting quantitative form of information from the students who are the respondents (Rashid
and Yadav, 2020).
Primary method: it includes the primary or the first hand information that is collected by the
investigator for evaluating presently laid topic of investigation (Kelley, 2020). In present report
first hand information is collected based on use of Questionnaire and interview questions.
Participants are students who are presently studying in different university courses and sample
size is taken 10 respondents for questionnaire and three respondents have been selected for
interview questions.
Questionnaire
Questionnaire
Q1.) As a student studying in university do you believe that present
situation of COVID virus has affected Student engagement in a negative
manner?
Frequency
a) Yes 7
b) No 1
c) In some instances 2
Q2.) What has been the major impact that is created because of COVID
virus as a student?
Frequency
a) No physical lectures or classroom learning 1
b) Change in overall process of learning 4
c) Reduction in student concentration level 2
d) No systematic form of lectures 2
e) Any other such related impact 1
Q3.) According to you, what is the mental impact on students that is
created because of the situation of COVID 19?
Frequency
a) High amount of stress 2
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b) Negative academic emotion 3
c) Dealing with high amount of uncertainties 1
d) no proper communication 3
e) Other 1
Q4.) Do you agree with the point that effective management strategies
can assist students in dealing with this highly uncertain situation of
COVID 19 virus?
Frequency
a) Agree 6
b) Disagree 1
c) May be 3
Q5.) Do you believe that adaptability is affecting directly the present level
of student engagement?
Frequency
a) Yes 7
b) No 1
c) In some instances only 2
Q6) What are some of the factors that are affecting student engagement
in this situation of COVID 19?
a) No face to face learning 6
b) Not presence of required level of concentration 2
c) Higher psychological pressure 1
d) No adequate adaptability to the situation 1
Q7) What is major threat for student learning and engagement arising
from COVID 19 pandemics?
a) Higher stress and depression instances 4
b) Low level of motivation 3
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c) No proper and systematic form of learning 1
d) Reduction in attention and student engagement level 2
Q 8) what can be some of the challenges that are affecting some of the
students in this situation COVID-19?
a) Technological issues in online classes 1
b) Negative learning environment 4
c) No proper coordination with peers and lecturers 2
d) Any other reason 3
Q9) What can some of the strategies that can be used to manage the
present level of student engagement in this situation of COVID 19?
a) Timely feedbacks from students 2
b) Enhancing communication and coordination level 6
c) Using some motivation techniques 1
d) Any other measure 1
Q10.) Provide some recommendations for maintaining a balance
between changing external environment and the present situation of
COVID 19 virus…………..
Analysis and interpretation of collected information
Theme 1: COVID virus and impact on Student engagement
Q1.) As a student studying in university do you believe that present
situation of COVID virus has affected Student engagement in a negative
manner?
Frequency
a) Yes 7
b) No 1
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c) In some instances 2
Interpretation: On the basis of above given graphical representation, it is assess that there
are 7 students who believes that the present situation of COVID has imposes direct effect on
engagement of student in negative manner. In addition to this, there is 1 student who does not
believe that the present situation of COVID has affected the involvement of student in negative
way. Apart from this, the remaining 2 students who believe that in some instances COVID have
affected the engagement of student in negative manner.
Theme 2: major impact that is created because of COVID virus as a student
Q2.) What has been the major impact that is created because of COVID
virus as a student?
Frequency
a) No physical lectures or classroom learning 1
b) Change in overall process of learning 4
c) Reduction in student concentration level 2
d) No systematic form of lectures 2
e) Any other such related impact 1
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Interpretation: On the basis of given graph, it is assess that there is 1 student who believe
that no physical lectures or class room learning has major effect that is generated because of
COVID as a student. In addition to this, there are 4 students who believes that change in whole
process of learning has imposes direct impact on learning of student. And there are 2 students
who agree that reduction in student concentration level has imposed major effect of COVID on
students. Apart from this, there are 2 students who believe that no systematic form of lecture is
the main reason due to which the student gets affected. And remaining 1 student believes that
there is other connected aspect is the only reason because of which student get impacted due to
COVID.
Theme 3: Major objective of effective strategies of talent management
Q3.) According to you, what is the mental impact on students that is
created because of the situation of COVID 19?
Frequency
a) High amount of stress 2
b) Negative academic emotion 3
c) Dealing with high amount of uncertainties 1
d) no proper communication 3
e) Other 1
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Interpretation: On the basis of given graph, it is assess that there are 2 students believe
that higher amount of stress is the only reason of increasing mental stress of student. There are 3
students believe that negative academic emotion is the mental effect on students which is
generated due to COVID. And there is 1 student who believes that dealing with higher amount of
uncertainty imposes direct effect on mental health of student due to COVID. And, apart from this
there are 3 students who agree that no appropriate communication is the only reason due to
which the student is affected. And, remaining 1 student believes that there is the other reason that
imposes direct effect on students.
Theme 4: Effective management strategies in dealing with this highly uncertain situation of
COVID 19
Q4.) Do you agree with the point that effective management strategies can
assist students in dealing with this highly uncertain situation of COVID 19
virus?
Frequency
a) Agree 6
b) Disagree 1
c) May be 3
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Interpretation: On the basis of graphical representation, it is assess that there are 6
students who believes that the appropriate administration strategy aids assistance to student in
dealing with higher level of uncertainty which arises due to COVID. In addition to this, there is 1
student who does not believe that the appropriate strategy can help student in dealing with
uncertain situation of COVID. And there are 3 students who do not give any kind of respond
towards appropriate administration strategy that is helpful in dealing with highly uncertain
condition.
Theme 5: Adaptability and level of student engagement
Q5.) Do you believe that adaptability is affecting directly the present level
of student engagement?
Frequency
a) Yes 7
b) No 1
c) In some instances only 2
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Interpretation: On the basis of above given graph, it is assess that there are 7 students
who believes that adaptability is directly affecting the current level of student engagement. In
addition to this, there is 1 student who does not believe that adaptability imposes direct effect on
present level of student engagement. Apart from this, there are two students who believe that in
some instances the adaptability imposes direct effect on the current level of student engagement.
Theme 6: factors affecting student engagement in this situation of COVID 19
Q6) What are some of the factors that are affecting student engagement in
this situation of COVID 19?
a) No face to face learning 6
b) Not presence of required level of concentration 2
c) Higher psychological pressure 1
d) No adequate adaptability to the situation 1
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Interpretation: On the basis of above given graphical representation, it is assess that there
are 6 students who believe that no face to face learning are determined as a factor that imposes
direct effect on student involvement due to COVID. There are 2 student believe that not presence
of needed concentration level is the only factor that affect the student engagement and 1 student
believes that higher psychological pressure is the only reason that impose direct effect on the
student engagement and apart from this, the remaining 1 student believe that no adequate
adaptability to the situation is determined as the only reason that imposes direct effect on the
student engagement due to COVID.
Theme 7: Major threat for student learning and engagement arising from COVID 19
pandemics
Q7) What is major threat for student learning and engagement arising
from COVID 19 pandemics?
a) Higher stress and depression instances 4
b) Low level of motivation 3
c) No proper and systematic form of learning 1
d) Reduction in attention and student engagement level 2
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Interpretation: From the above graph it can be concluded that major threat for
students engaged in learning from COVID situation is there are high chances of distress as 10 out
of 4students were found depressed 3 student felt there is low level of motivation as they were not
having direct interaction with their teachers 1 student said that they could not find out any
systematic way of learning things as there is no regular routine as it was precious when they were
attending schools 2 students said that there is less engagement & attention among them through
online platform.
Theme 8: Challenges affecting students in this situation COVID-19
Q 8) what can be some of the challenges that are affecting some of the
students in this situation COVID-19?
a) Technological issues in online classes 1
b) Negative learning environment 4
c) No proper coordination with peers and lecturers 2
d) Any other reason 3
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Interpretation: The pandemic of COVID 19 has affected the lives of students who
were engaged in making their successful career. According to the survey conducted among the
students it is identified that there are various challenges which are affecting student in this
student as 1 students out of 10 said that while attending online classes they are having various
kind of technological issues thus there are disturbed in the middle which distracts them from
gaining knowledge 4 students gave their opinion that there is negative working culture as people
are not cooperating with one another 2 students said that there is no proper coordination with the
peer members and the teacher who is guiding them 3 students were having different issues apart
from the above as a challenge of COVID 19.
Theme 9: Strategies that can be used to manage the present level of student engagement in
this situation of COVID 19
Q9) What can some of the strategies that can be used to manage the
present level of student engagement in this situation of COVID 19?
a) Timely feedbacks from students 2
b) Enhancing communication and coordination level 6
c) Using some motivation techniques 1
d) Any other measure 1
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Interpretation: From the above graph it can be reflected that there are various strategies
that can be used to manage current level of student engagement in this situation of COVID 19 as
6 out of 10 students said that online platform helps in enhancing communication skills and
developing coordination among students so they can learn new things and develop their future 2
students said that they are getting timely feedback on which they can work in order to improve
their current knowledge 1 student said that motivational technique helps in managing current
level of engagement for enhancing their knowledge and 1 student said that there can be another
measure adopted from these in order to engage students in the pandemic situation of COVID 19
Interview questions:
Q1. Can you please suggest some of the measures that can be used by management of your
university or college to deal with this situation of student engagement?
Respondent 1: 1st respondent had a view that teachers must make regular communication with
students on their progress and present status of learning. Apart from formal feedbacks it is very
important to take informal feedbacks from students so that they are able to clearly share their
issues and problems that they are going through.
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Respondent 2: Second respondent had a view point that effective time table development can be
very helpful that has to be published on university websites so that student posses required
clarity.
Respondent 3: Third respondent had a view point that there is need to have measures to deal
with the technological defaults that arise while the online and virtual learning is taking place.
There is need to focus on some effective measures to deal with technical challenges faced by
student that affects student engagement scenario.
Q2. Do you feel that present COVID 19 situation has posses a impact on your engagement
level? If yes then how?
Respondent 1: First respondent felt that yes there has been a drastic impact on the present
student engagement and concentration level. There is a complete shift from traditional physical
classroom learning towards online & virtual learning that has lead to difficulty in adapting to this
situation. Apart from this the high uncertainty is also creating lot of ambiguity for students.
Respondent 2: Second respondent had a view that there is development of negative mindset that
is leading to lot of difficulty in managing the situation. The mental stability of students has been
affected in a negative manner as there is no certainty of the situations to be back to normal in
coming time period.
Respondent 3: Third respondent posses a view that the Yes covid 19 situation has affected their
overall learning and development process. There is no proper systematic flow of learning that is
taking place in some instances. There is high amount of communication gap that arises in online
classroom that was easily resolved in physical classroom situations. Also, there is lot of difficulty
to develop understand of some topics that are being taught that leads to reduction in the present
student engagement level.
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Recommendations
From the above made analysis of the information collected from questionnaire and the interview
questions, there are some of the recommendations that are being drawn for the purpose of
analysing the process of student engagement:
 For the purpose dealing with the negative mindset students must focus on using some
form of physical exercises like meditation, yoga, aerobics so that their mental state can be
positive. It is going to help in developing higher concentration level.
 Students must lay emphasis on increasing and maintaining their present motivation level.
For this purpose there has to be setup of targets with respect to examinations and test so
that they are able to work towards achieving their personally laid academic targets.
 Students should work on enhancing their adaptability level by working on modifying
their behaviour cognition and impact that is reflected by individual differences. There is
need to response towards change in an uncertain situation by focusing on cognitive
adjustments. Student’s personality traits must be significantly predicted to enhance their
adaptability level.
 Teachers and lecturers must take regular feedback from students in both formal and
informal ways to analyse their present mental state. It is also going to help in
identification of issues of problems are they are facing in online learning.
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Conclusion
From the above made discussions it can be concluded that student engagement is a process
that is related with active involvement in academic and learning activities. It is a three-
dimensional construct that includes effective behavioural and cognitive elements that forms the
basis of student’s connectedness towards learning process. It is important for the purpose of
student development to focus on effective level of student engagement. The covid-19 situation is
affecting the learning and mental state of students. The timely focus on motivation level positive
mind set and regular interaction among lecturers and students are some of the effective measures
that can help in dealing with the situation of reducing student engagement.
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REFERENCES
Books & Journal
Borup and et. al 2020. Supporting students during COVID-19: Developing and leveraging
academic communities of engagement in a time of crisis. Journal of Technology and
Teacher Education, 28(2), pp.161-169.
Lowenthal and et. al., 2020. Thinking beyond Zoom: Using asynchronous video to maintain
connection and engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Technology and
Teacher Education, 28(2), pp.383-391.
Garris, C.P. and Fleck, B., 2020. Student evaluations of transitioned-online courses during the
covid-19 pandemic. Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Psychology.
Singhal, M.K., 2020. Facilitating Virtual Medicinal Chemistry Active Learning Assignments
Using Advanced Zoom Features during COVID-19 Campus Closure. Journal of
Chemical Education, 97(9), pp.2711-2714.
Kelley, E.W., 2020. Reflections on three different high school chemistry Lab Formats during
COVID-19 Remote learning. Journal of Chemical Education, 97(9), pp.2606-2616.
Rashid, S. and Yadav, S.S., 2020. Impact of Covid-19 pandemic on higher education and
research. Indian Journal of Human Development, 14(2), pp.340-343.
Cohen, A.K., Hoyt, L.T. and Dull, B., 2020. A Descriptive study of COVID-19–related
experiences and perspectives of a national sample of college students in spring
2020. Journal of Adolescent Health, 67(3), pp.369-375.
Alawamleh, M., Al-Twait, L.M. and Al-Saht, G.R., 2020. The effect of online learning on
communication between instructors and students during Covid-19 pandemic. Asian
Education and Development Studies.
Pace, C., Pettit, S.K. and Barker, K.S., 2020. Best practices in middle level quaranteaching:
Strategies, tips and resources amidst COVID-19. Becoming: Journal of the Georgia
Association for Middle Level Education, 31(1), p.2.
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