Tish Pohl
Is the pandemic over yet? It remains to be seen. The impact of the last two and a quarter years on academic performance for students of all ages is evident.
April 1st saw the March Wally Cordes chair: Conversations with Colleagues. Tish Pohl, an associate professor of industrial engineering, spoke about “Student Success In A Post-Covid Environment.” Pohl is an advisor to over 200 undergraduates in industrial engineering.
Pohl shared research that showed that 85% students felt their academic performance was affected by online instruction, lockdown and isolation. They also suffered from mental health issues. They were concerned about their health and the health of their families, as well as depression and anxiety.
Even though classes resumed face-to face, the stress didn’t always subside. One study showed that students had Fitbits installed to track their activity just before the pandemic. The activity levels dropped when people were isolated. However, students who resumed their activity levels after the pandemic never saw them drop back to pre-pandemic levels. However, the amount of time they reported spending on social media and gaming remained elevated. Even after lockdown was lifted their bad habits did not abate.
The lack of preparation for college was another issue that incoming freshmen highlighted. They had spent their senior year online, and therefore had less contact to counselors and teachers. They found they were less prepared to face the academic demands of college, leading to a greater number of D and F grades as well as withdrawals. This was especially true for students who were first-generation, minority students, and those with financial need.
Strategies that were instituted to help students during the pandemic, such as streamed classes, recorded lectures and additional online resources, may in some cases be detrimental for some students — allowing them to become less engaged, feel entitled or just become accustomed to too much flexibility and assistance.
The question-and-answer portion of the presentation focused on what other people have found to work for their students. Many suggestions were made, such as multiple choice questions and smaller point quotas. A flipped classroom with more activities, a shorter lecture and a longer lecture. They could also view the video lecture when they had time, and could rewind to catch any missed information.
Other important suggestions include encouraging a sense o belonging, frequent feedback and support, but most importantly, a feeling of compassion, consistency, accountability, and a sense o being accountable.
Wally Cordes:Cordes was a well-known chemistry professor, known for his academic scholarship and dedication to teaching. He was also known for his classroom antics. He is one the three founding members of Wally Cordes Teaching and Faculty Support Center. He would ask his students to come to his office at beginning of semester to have a “6-minute” meeting with him. His office had a rocking chair that was specifically designed for students who wanted to visit him for 6-minute visits. The Wally Cordes chair now includes a rocking chair that can be moved around and is available at every monthly presentation.
Through Conversations with colleaguesThe Wally Cordes Teaching and Faculty Support Center maintains the tradition of informal conversations to foster a community united in learning. Each month, the Wally Cordes chairperson is honored by a different teaching faculty member. The Wally Cordes chairperson owns the Wally Cordes rocking Chair and hosts informal discussions about teaching and learning. The chair can be seen on campus, but it also serves to bring together people who are dedicated to student success at University of Arkansas. All faculty are notified about the Wally Cordes chair events around campus prior to each month’s program.
About Tish Pohl: Pohl embodies Cordes’ spirit. Students love Pohl’s professional guidance and sometimes feel’motherly’. She was named a fellow of University of Arkansas Teaching Academy in 2017 as well as Academic Advisor of Year 2016-2017 by University of Arkansas Academic Advising Council.
