Impact of Covid-19 on Students’ Academic Performance at BS Level: A Case Study of District Peshawar

Abstract

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused drastic disruptions in various sectors worldwide, including education. This study aims at looking into the impact of COVID-19 on the academic performance of students at the BS level in District Peshawar, Pakistan. The study utilizes a mixed study approach to collect both quantitative as well as qualitative data. The findings of the study highlight several factors that have influenced the student's academic performance during the Covid-19 pandemic, such as the sudden shift to online learning, lack of access to technology, internet connectivity, limited interaction with class fellows and teachers, heightened the anxiety, stress levels and disruptions in study routines. The collected data indicates that most students have negative perceptions of academic performance. Additionally, the study examines the role of institutional support, such as online teaching methodologies and assessment strategies, in facilitating students' academic progress. Furthermore, this study aims to provide evidence-based recommendations to policymakers, educational institutions and stakeholders to mitigate the adverse effects of COVID-19 on BS students.