Impact of COVID-19 on Education Not Going Away, UM Study Finds

The AHA! Team — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 05:09:02 +0000

University of Mississippi via EurekAlert! – Student performance scores dipped following the COVID-19 pandemic, and recent UM research shows they have not returned to pre-pandemic levels. The team discovered that a loss of life skills normally developed in high school that prepare students to succeed may be to blame. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student performance is well known, but four years after the pandemic, scores in college classes are not returning to their pre-pandemic levels. A University of Mississippi study might point to an answer. In a study published in a special issue of the Educational Sciences journal, three Ole Miss researchers found that student performance scores started a downward trend following COVID-19. Dozens of studies have documented the pandemic’s negative impact on education, but the Ole Miss team discovered evidence of a deeper problem. “We were a little puzzled at first because if learning was impacted by one big event, why didn’t scores drop and level off or start to climb again?” said Gregg Davidson, professor of geology and geological engineering. “Why did scores continue declining each year since COVID-19?” The researchers – Gregg Davidson; Kristin Davidson, lecturer in computer and information science; and Hong Xiao, assistant professor of computer and information science – make the case that it was not just missed exposure to educational material during school shutdowns, but a loss of life skills normally developed in high school that prepare students to succeed both in college and future careers. “As educators, recognizing that this is happening is important in order to be proactive about identifying causes and remedies,” Davidson said. These skills include time management, self-motivation, critical thinking and social interaction. Without these skills, students can struggle to stay engaged, manage coursework and seek help when needed, directly affecting their academic performance, the researchers said. “I started studying this before the pandemic when I was doing my dissertation for my Ph.D. program in higher education,” Kristin Davidson said. “I knew from day one I wanted to look at the difference between online and face-to-face classroom performance, because I believed there was something there. “Following the pandemic, the study expanded to determine if the impact of school shutdowns changed anything – and did it ever.” Prior to the pandemic, a student’s performance scores in online classes were often lower than for equivalent classes taken face-to-face. Highly motivated students who earned As in face-to-face settings usually got A’s in online classes, too. But students who received Bs or below for face-to-face classes were likely to drop by a full letter grade in online courses. For these students, the structure of a regular meeting schedule, with instructor-controlled pace, minimal distractions and fellow students nearby, normally translated into better performance, the researchers said. “Post-COVID, that structural benefit disappeared. The performance of students in the face-to-face classes dropped to be indistinguishable from the online scores,” Gregg Davidson said. Steady decline in scores The steady decline in scores in college classes provides additional evidence that students still in high school during shutdowns were more impacted than those already in college, he said. “The scores are a reflection of growing percentage of undergraduates each year who were in high school during the pandemic.” Hong Xiao analyzed more than 15,000 records from non-major geology courses over eight years. At the end of 2023 – the last year covered during the study – student performance scores showed no signs of improving. The findings The findings draw attention to the need for being intentional about life skill development before arriving at college and after. Those skills are critical for academic, professional, and personal success, the researchers said. “That can start with family,” Xiao said. “Family is their first major connection.” DOI 10.3390/educsci14111268 To read the original article click here.

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Lockdown Has Encouraged Older People to Embrace Technology, Reconnect and Build New Relationships

AHA Publisher — Tue, 18 May 2021 07:00:12 +0000

University of Stirling via News-Medical – The COVID-19 lockdown was a catalyst for many older people to embrace technology, reconnect with friends and build new relationships with neighbors, according to University of Stirling research. Understanding the coping mechanisms adopted by some over 60s during the pandemic will play a key role in developing interventions to help tackle loneliness, isolation and wellbeing in the future. The study, led by the Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, surveyed 1,429 participants – 84 percent (1,198) of whom were over 60 – and found many had adapted to video conferencing technology to increase online contact with existing social networks, while others reconnected with previous networks. Participants reported that lockdown had led them to engage with neighbors and other members of their communities for the first time, while several said social distancing had brought an additional meaning to life, by highlighting what was important to them. Published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, the paper comes six months after the study – funded under the Scottish Government Chief Scientist Office’s Rapid Research in COVID-19 programme – reported in its preliminary findings that social distancing had increased feelings of loneliness in older people. Professor of Behavioral Medicine, Anna Whittaker, who led the study, said: “Our research found that the COVID-19 lockdown triggered feelings of loneliness in older people – with many experiencing less social contact and support. However, the study also highlighted positive outcomes, for example, lockdown encouraged some older people to embrace and engage with technology – such as Zoom, Whatsapp or FaceTime – to stay in touch with loved-ones or participate in exercise classes or religious groups. Those who engaged in such activity were able to prevent high levels of loneliness, therefore, helping older adults to increase their digital literacy and use of remote social interactions could be a really important tool for addressing loneliness. “Participants also reported actively looking for new social contact while restrictions were in place – such as contacting friends who they had not spoken to in years and increasing interactions with neighbors and other members of their communities. Significantly, many of our participants reported that social distancing has actually led them to find new sources of satisfaction in life. “Our study also highlighted that encouraging safe social contact through physical activity and engaging with people in the community may be an effective way to reduce loneliness, improve wellbeing, increase social activity, and improve social support.” The study – which involved a survey conducted between May and July 2020 – examined the impact of social distancing during the pandemic on loneliness, wellbeing and social activity, including social support, in Scottish older adults. Participants were asked about the strategies they adopted to increase social interaction during this time and reported that the way they interacted with their friends and family, faith, chosen group activities and, to a lesser extent, their employer and colleagues, had changed. More than 300 participants mentioned ‘Zoom’ – the video conferencing tool – in their answers. More than 150 participants reported that their religious gatherings had moved online – replacing face-to-face gatherings – while 91 said that social gatherings with family and friends had changed in favour of online ‘games nights’. New activities included bingo and quiz nights, while other activities moved online – such as bridge nights, book clubs, choir rehearsals, and dance and exercise classes. The role of community – particularly neighbors – was mentioned by more than 300 participants and some reported the common experience of getting to know previously unknown neighbors and increase interaction with others in the community at local shops or parks. A pleasant Scottish summer also supported such interactions, several said. At least 100 people said social interactions were linked to their physical activities – such as time spent outdoors while walking for exercise, walking the dogs or active commuting. Professor Whittaker added: “Our research underlines the importance of addressing loneliness and social support in older adults – but particularly during situations where risk of isolation is high. Although specific to the pandemic, this study has wider implications of helping us to understand the impact of social distancing and social isolation on older people. “The findings may be applicable in the future – both in and outwith pandemic situations. In Scotland, the recommendations for improvement may be through encouraging older adults to get to know their neighbors better, getting involved with local buddying systems and community initiatives, including via digital means, and engaging in physical activity, such as daily walks in the community.” “While it may prove difficult to consider any aspect of the pandemic positive as such, it is important and worthwhile to reflect on what it has taught us, both about ourselves and society and about the necessary tools to tackle Scotland’s increased levels of loneliness and isolation. For example, we’ve seen first-hand how important the community response has been in terms of supporting older people throughout lockdown and it has been inspiring to witness how people across the country stepped in and stepped forward to help those in need around them. Even as restrictions ease, we hope to see this sense of community spirit continue. The ongoing impact of COVID-19 has also demonstrated just how important increased digital inclusion is and how easily those without access to technology can feel out of the loop. It’s reassuring to see so many older people reporting that they have been able to embrace and engage with technology to stay connected and active. However, it’s equally important to ensure those who are unable or do not wish to use the internet have alternative ways to stay connected to their communities and support networks. As we take steps towards recovery together, it is vital that no one is left behind and those most impacted are supported to play a full part in society again. We know we will be living with the ongoing effects of lockdown loneliness for a long time to come, and this research will be incredibly valuable when considering how best to tackle loneliness and isolation and to improve the wellbeing of older people going forward.” Brian Sloan, Chief Executive of Age Scotland To read the original article click here.

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Impact of COVID-19 on Education Not Going Away, UM Study Finds

Lockdown Has Encouraged Older People to Embrace Technology, Reconnect and Build New Relationships