Secondary Students’ Educational Experiences During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis

Recognizing the urgent need to understand how education systems can effectively respond to global crises, we conducted a qualitative evidence synthesis to examine the educational experiences and psychosocial wellbeing of secondary students during the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020–January 2024). Comprehensive searches were conducted across eight electronic databases, resulting in 41 eligible studies. Thematic synthesis revealed five descriptive themes: challenging online learning experiences; benefits of online learning; complexities associated with education-related disruptions and transitions; social connections and support; and emerging educational needs. Twenty corresponding subthemes were also identified. Lastly, three analytical themes were developed based on the literature reviewed, including student resilience and adaptability through crisis; the digital divide and educational inequality; and reimagining the future of education. Findings revealed that secondary students experienced several education-related challenges and benefits during the pandemic; they also highlight the need for effective, inclusive, and accessible educational practices that can be adopted now and in future crises. This review represents an important and timely contribution to the literature via its explicit focus on secondary students worldwide and the application of a novel and rigorous qualitative synthesis methodology, with implications for the evolving educational landscape.