The remote learning experience during the Covid-19 pandemic: determinants of student assessment in humanities courses at Unifesp

Abstract

The article analyzes the evaluation of undergraduate students in Social Sciences, Philosophy, History, Art History, Letters and Pedagogy at the Federal University of São Paulo on the teaching-learning process during the first semester of offering courses under the Home Activities Emergency regime (ADE, in portuguese), implemented because the Covid-19 pandemic. A survey was carried out with 468 respondents, by a self-applied questionnaire, to collect the student´s evaluation - through indicators in a qualitative (Likert) and quantitative (scores from 0 to 10) scale - and other information that were grouped into four dimensions: 1) participation and interaction; 2) mental health; 3) time availability; 4) material conditions of study. In addition to the descriptive analysis, two regression models (linear and logistic) were used to verify the pedagogical, socioeconomic, and emotional factors that can explain the differences in student assessments. The results showed a drop in the general quality of courses in ADE in the students' perception. The evaluation is better among those who were able to participate and interact, with better use of synchronous classes. When increased stress and difficulty concentrating happen, the assessment worsens. Finally, adequate study material conditions were necessary factors, but not sufficient, for a good evaluation.