Researchers led by Shijie Lu at the University of Notre Dame studied college grades in China during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown. Co-authors include Xintong Han, Shane Wang and Nan Cui. They compared grades from before the pandemic, when classes were in person, with grades during the lockdown, when instruction moved online.
Results depended on the subject and local rules. Reasoning subjects like mathematics showed improvement, while discussion subjects such as English benefited much less. Stricter stay-at-home orders raised stress and made online learning less effective, but some policies helped students keep focus at home.
Difficult words
- shift — a sudden change in position or approach.
- challenges — difficult situations that need to be solved.
- improved — became better or increased in quality.
- pause — to stop for a short time.
- effective — producing a desired result successfully.
- interpret — to explain the meaning of something.
- focused — paying careful attention to something.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How did online learning change your study habits?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of online classes?
- Why do you think parents being home helped students stay focused?
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