Student development and soft-skills based social enterprise, Project ID has launched its Student Voice Matter 2023 survey, marking its 4th edition since the first launch of the survey back in 2020.
With responses from over 1,200 Malaysian students, the survey’s findings focused on students’ learning experience in the past 12 months, the future of learning and the well-being of students.
This year, on average, students rated their learning experience in the past 12 months to be 6.18 out of 10. This represents a slight improvement compared to the previous year’s study, in which students scored their learning experience on average to be 5.84 out of 10.
The higher rating was credited to the transition towards physical classes from an online take during the pandemic, this in return had improved their learning experience. Additionally, for students who indicated that they are satisfied with their learning, their qualitative answers showed that they had the most direct learning and support from teachers.
Students ranked face-to-face lectures from teachers as the most preferred learning method followed by study groups. On top of these findings, 53% of respondents stated that their preferred learning habits is to revise individually with resources on the internet.
With regards to challenges, 1 in 2 students find ‘lack of motivation to study’ as their biggest learning challenge. The second biggest challenge was worries about upcoming major exams.
In efforts to improve digital learning, the survey also found that 42% of students cited that they want game-based learning, while 36% showed an inclination towards micro-learning that breaks down concepts and courses to bite-sized lessons.
This year, we also asked students to voice out their preferences of modality of academic assessment. About 40% indicated that they prefer to have exams at the end of the school year, followed by about 35% in favour of national exams such as PT3, SPM and STPM. About 1 out 4 students want to be assessed through group project presentations.
“The Student Voice Matters 2023 report continues to show the leading report on the ever-changing landscape of Malaysia’s education landscape. As students transition into the new normal, the survey this year highlights the need for better integration of digital resources and greater support for student well-being.
“At Project ID, we continue to call for better support towards the well-being of students and to further implement initiatives that equip students with stress-management strategies with a focus n peer-to-peer support,” said Kelvin Tan, Chief Executive Officer, Project ID.
Students were also asked to consider how their well-being has changed after returning to school post-pandemic. 35% reported an improvement in their mental, physical or emotional well-being. Compared to the insight from the previous year, students this year rate their well-being more positively as the schools are fully opened and they can do physical activities as well as socializing with their friends.
However, much needs to be done to address those who suffer decline in their mental and emotional well-being. 1 in 4 of students indicated that their mental or emotional well-being has declined in the last 12 months. They require support and guidance to ensure their well-being is not compromised while pursuing education.
58% of students had also indicated that the expectation for them to do well in their studies poses anxieties and stress. Some of them indicated that comparison with other children or students does not help with their learning.
