Student Retention in Distance Learning During the Covid-19 Crisis in Indonesia: Are We Disappointing Them?

Abstract

This paper aims to describe survey data on student retention in the distance learning in the form of learning comfort levels during the Covid-19 pandemic. The technique used to collect data is a survey at several universities in Indonesia on the subject of students and lecturers during the even semester of 2020. The results of the cross-section survey during distance learning show that the average level of comfort is low because one of them is in the reinforcement aspect. Tabulation analysis shows that lack of preparation results in learning to focus more on delivering teaching materials and too little to motivate them to learn. The perception of most of the community towards the meaning of distance learning makes learning reinforcement low for students. The impact is that learning only turns into e-teaching through the digital space. As an alternative to equal access to higher education throughout Indonesia, systematic efforts are needed to provide a thorough understanding to the guardians/parents of students about this distance learning design to provide a better learning environment during distance learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. Efforts are also needed in designing how to strengthen, especially in terms of motivation to increase learning retention.