Experience of Academic Anxiety Among Higher Secondary Students in the Context of Covid-19 Pandemic

Authors: Merin Biju , Dr. Aiswarya V. R. , Dr. Padma Kumari

Pages: 20-26

Abstract:

Academic anxiety is not something new and is still a crucial factor that affects students and their well-being. This studyinvestigates higher secondary school students’ experience with academic anxiety and its factors, which could facilitate thereduction of academic anxiety. The pandemic has created a topsy-turvy situation in the education field where the new learningmode has brought new challenges for educational institutions and their students. The data collection methods used for thisqualitative study were semi-structured interviews set in a phenomenological framework. A total of 10 interviews were conductedwith students between the age of 18 and below. Through using thematic analysis, four overarching themes were identified:factors that cause academic anxiety, negative impacts, approaches adopted, and online learning's impacts. The study showedthat students have different sources of academic anxiety along with specific impacts and personal coping strategies for it. Aninsight into these sources and impacts will help throw light on the awareness of teachers and parents, which would in turn help torevise the method with which they approach students.