Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Undergraduate Students Studying Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing: A Pilot Investigation

Katelyn J. Kotlarek and Kerry Callahan Mandulak / Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences and Disorders / February 2023


Group of Students wearing masks

The purpose of this pilot study was to define what changes were experienced in the Fall 2020 semester by students in an undergraduate anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing course and highlight any differences in the experience of first-generation college students (FGCS). An online survey was administered to a single class of undergraduate students. Results indicated that students experienced a variety of challenges related to the pandemic and virtual learning. Differences in the experiences of FGCS compared to traditional students included increased hours worked and feelings of being overwhelmed and spending less time on course content each week. Future research is warranted to investigate these trends within a more representative population and identify ways that academic support can be utilized to improve student success.

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