Students’ Perception of Teaching and Learning During Pandemics: A Case Study

Purpose: This study explored university students’ perception of teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and describes students’ experiences. Methodology: The study's mixed methodology was primarily focused on the enrolled students at a chosen public university in Namibia, which comprised of approximately 12 500 students of which 390 participants were conveniently. The study encompassed qualitative open-ended questions analysed using a deductive approach. Qualitative data was organized; coded to generate themes. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS. Findings: Most students claimed the online system was better than they had expected, but many also highlighted that the Internet connections were problematic, including erratic and unstable connections and insufficient data. Students further revealed that the online teaching and learning platforms helped them to master skills in digital devices. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The academic achievement of students during a pandemic, as well as sociodemographic factors prevailing and previous university students’ performance data, should be taken into consideration in similar studies to ascertain the real influence of the pandemic on students’ academic performance.