STUDENT LEARNING PERFORMANCE BEFORE AND DURING THE PANDEMIC
1 Wentworth Institute of Technology (UNITED STATES)
2 Stevens Institute of Technology (UNITED STATES)
About this paper:
Conference name: 14th International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies
Dates: 4-6 July, 2022
Location: Palma, Spain
Abstract:
The pandemic impacted the entire academic sector. This study is focused on three cases:
(1) Engineering student performance before the pandemic,
(2) during the pandemic online,
(3) during the pandemic in person and what solutions can be used to improve student learning outcomes.
The data was taken from different engineering disciplines: biomechanics from biomedical engineering and engineering fluid and dynamics from mechanical engineering. The course learning outcome was measured “An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics” and Student performances in examinations were assessed in the three courses. Students were asked to take three exams and their averages were calculated.
The analysis reveals that the student learning performance is decreasing by teaching online during pandemic compared to in person during pandemic. However, students' performance was the best before the pandemic.
Suggestions for improving teaching include student engagement and welcoming environment, for improving learning include making courses more robust and sustainable for both online and on campus learning, accommodate student mental health and strengthen fundamental skill sets. Keywords:
Pandemic, engineering, assessment.