Dealing with pandemic-related student disengagement like “pouring energy into a void:” Editorial

In response to a call from The Chronicle of Higher Education for stories about student disengagement, several faculty members have shared the challenges that both faculty and students are experiencing in postsecondary classes. Some faculty said that students have been attending class less, have been less engaged when they are present, and appear to be distracted or less confident. Faculty said that they have been repeatedly trying to engage with students, be flexible, check in with students who are falling behind, and show compassion. Students told faculty that they were disengaged because of feelings of hopelessness, stress, and anxiety; health issues; and having little time to take care of themselves. Faculty shared that they felt depleted, faced challenges with management, and wanted more opportunities for real conversations to address the challenges they face. Chronicle of Higher Ed (Acct. Req.) Note: Archived stories may contain dead links or be missing source links.