What happened this last week? Well first things first, results day has finally been announced for 13 and 20 August (for GCSE and A-Level grades, respectively). But how much of an impact has this had on student feelings? 53% of students would still like to find out their results sooner. And 72% of students commented that this update has had no positive impact on their concerns.
“Waiting longer is more stressful when there is nothing you can do”
“It means I have to wait longer than I thought to decide if I need to take exams and then less time in between results and the autumn exams”
With lockdown in the UK being extended for another three weeks, and the end of the tunnel nowhere in sight, the prospect of a September university start date is playing on students’ minds.
Week three of the COVID tracker found:
Half of students don’t think the online learning provided by their institution is good enough.
Universities have been forced to embrace an online learning model for their programmes and tutorials. For some institutions this will have been easier than others, however students aren’t currently too impressed with what’s been provided. From inconsistent communication and lesson planning to lack of support on how best to learn online, students feel that the lockdown learning experience isn’t coming close to their normal in-person lectures and classes.
“Lecturers don't bother with online classes, work is poorly explained and we're bombarded with emails that tell us nothing new.”
It’s time to reassure students that you and your institutions are prepared for September and ready for the intake of the hungry-to-learn class of 2020. Ensure your messaging provides genuine and realistic plans for the upcoming start date, whether online or in-person, which can go a long way to relieving the worries about what will happen in a few months’ time. Students are happy to adjust to the new normal, as long as there is structure and clear communication on what’s expected.
If you’d like to know more about student attitudes, worries and feelings during the COVID-19 crisis, you can sign up for the full report from the COVID-tracker here, which offers insight into what your student audience are really thinking to help inform your strategy and messaging during these changing times.
