Student Attitudes and Experiences with COVID-19

A Case of One Research University in California

Authors

  • David Edens
  • Emily Kiresich

Abstract

This chapter examines student attitudes and issues regarding the rapid pivot to virtual instruction in March 2020. Results indicated that students reported well-prepared and comfortable in the online environment, but the transition and overall life experience of this time left them feeling frustrated, anxious, and worried. They expressed specific concern about the current and future readiness for next courses and careers, amplified by having concerns for their health, the health of others, and their finances. Their responses indicated that open and transparent communication with instructors and about expectations and being included in decision-making about future changes to courses would have provided them with comfort. Training in technology and open communication for educators and students is essential to improving student success and satisfaction during this time of unprecedented change.

How to cite:

Edens, D., & Kiresich, E. (2022). Student attitudes and experiences with COVID-19: A case of one research university in California. In J. S. McKeown, K. Bista, & R. Y. Chan (Eds.), Global higher education during COVID-19: Policy, society, and technology (pp. 123-138). STAR Scholars. https://starscholars.org/product/global-education/

Author Biographies

  • David Edens

    David Edens, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in Nutrition and Food Science at Cal Poly Pomona. Dr. Edens was the former Chef Director for the Culinary Arts Programs at the Art Institute of California—Hollywood and Department Chair of Advanced Culinary Arts at Le Cordon Bleu Los Angeles. Dr. Edens has published and presented in the area of student success within the culinary student population, for-profit sector, under-served populations, and international students. E-mail: dredens@cpp.edu

  • Emily Kiresich

    Emily Kiresich, Ph.D., RD, is an Assistant Professor in Nutrition and Food Science at California Polytechnic State University, Pomona. She is also a Registered Dietitian with 12 years of experience in clinical nutrition; fulltime for six years, and consulting and part-time for the past six years. She is a former Lecturer for California State University, Long Beach, for eight years where she served as Director for both the Didactic Program in Dietetics and the Individualized Supervised Practice Pathway Internship for three years. Dr. Kiresich has published and presented in the areas related to public health. E-mail: ejkiresich@cpp.edu

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Published

2021-09-19

Issue

Section

COVID-19 and Global Higher Education (Completed)

How to Cite

Student Attitudes and Experiences with COVID-19 : A Case of One Research University in California. (2021). Comparative & International Education Series, 123-138. https://ojed.org/cies/article/view/2703