Attitudes of Higher Education Students toward Learning during COVID-19 Pandemic

The purpose of this study was to assess Higher Education student’s attitude toward learning during COVID-19 pandemic. The study also explores the factors affecting student’s attitude towards learning during COVID-19 pandemic. The study population consist 344 students and 10 lecturers in Kampala. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed in the study. Demographic data was also collected on the lecturers and students involved in the study. Questionnaire of Attitudes toward learning during COVID-19 Pandemic (QATLCP) was used as the principal quantitative data collection instrument. The techniques used for analysis of the quantitative data were: descriptive statistics; analysis of variance (ANOVA); test for differences and regressions. In terms of the focus group data, interviews were audio recorded; transcribed and thematic analysis was conducted on the transcripts. Although the results of the quantitative data analysis revealed that students had generally favorable attitudes toward learning during COVID-19 pandemic, focus group data indicated that a number of factors across three contexts (the environment, school system and society) seemed to be fundamental in shaping students attitude toward learning during COVID-19 pandemic.