LETTERS: Our country was at war with Covid-19 for nearly three years.
The government was compelled to impose the Movement Control Order and close educational institutions to halt the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
Most public and private universities, as well as schools, had to use home-based learning and teaching methods during this period.
The question now is, what impact did online learning have on the self-confidence and critical thinking of university students?
Critical thinking skills in university students are an important component of sustainable national development.
Initiatives have been proposed and implemented to help them develop these skills.
However, studies as well as international evaluations indicate that significant effort is required to improve the thinking skills of Malaysian university students.
A study at one public university revealed that students were aware of the importance of asking questions in the lecture hall, but were embarrassed to do so.
This happened even though lecturers often encouraged them to speak out.
The students claimed that they wanted to say something, but didn't know what to ask, and they were concerned that their classmates would think they were trying to impress them.
The students became depressed when they were humiliated, ignored or considered stupid for asking questions.
When a lecturer got angry or ignored questions from them, personal pressure would develop. The students felt unappreciated, and were no longer confident about sharing their opinions.
Even before the pandemic, students in classrooms said they were shy or afraid to ask questions. It is a habit formed since childhood and will continue until adulthood.
The long period of virtual learning has harmed self-confidence and two-way communication skills.
So students should make the most of their time on campus. Participation in clubs and associations will develop their soft skills.
Working in groups, being confident in front of an audience, using critical thinking to generate ideas, demonstrating leadership in project management and writing reports are examples of these skills.
Undergraduate students should take advantage of this opportunity because the skills they develop can attract employers.
ZURIANI YAACOB
Senior lecturer,
Akademi Pengajian Bahasa,
UiTM Raub, Pahang
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times