LETTERS: There has been much research conducted on improving the student-instructor relationship during the Covid-19 pandemic.
This is because students and teachers have been forced to use online platforms for teaching and learning.
This resulted in problems ranging from attending online classes to communicating well in class.
Research has shown that student-instructor relationships have declined because both were learning to adjust to the new norm.
Some instructors said students did not participate in online classes.
They said some students just switched on their laptop, logged in to the class and dozed off. Some even logged in and left their computer unattended.
However, some students said instructors did not switch on their cameras, resulting in them feeling unappreciated.
Some grumbled that their instructors did not care for them.
They wanted their instructors to ask them if they were all right, but the instructors only asked if they had completed their assignments.
These matters might seem trivial, but they affect teaching and learning.
Caring is an important part in delivering lessons, especially when we do not get to see students physically.
Relationships have to be built and maintained so that post-Covid-19 classes can be conducted successfully.
Since we are going to enter the endemic phase, instructors and students should improve their communication and relationship to boost teaching, learning and assessment.
DR MUHAMMAD NOOR ABDUL AZIZ
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DR AIZAN YAACOB
School of Education
Universiti Utara Malaysia, Sintok, Kedah
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times