Engagement of University Students in Online Arabic Learning During the Pandemic Era

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic directly impacted the Malaysian education system. While internet technology can enhance learning, the synchronous and asynchronous context for second language learners still lacks of study. This study aims to measure the level of engagement of university students in learning Arabic during the Covid-19 pandemic, both in synchronous and asynchronous online learning sessions. This quantitative cross-sectional survey measured the engagement of 184 final-year Arabic students at eight public universities during the Covid-19 pandemic. After collecting the data, IBM SPSS software version 28.0 was used for descriptive data analysis, including mean and standard deviation calculations. The study's results indicate that the level of student engagement in Arabic during the Covid-19 pandemic was at a moderate level during synchronous learning sessions, followed by a low level during asynchronous learning. Overall, this study found that the Covid-19 pandemic did not have a significant impact on student engagement in learning Arabic. Nevertheless, authorities are advised to take the initiative to diversify learning activities to increase students' engagement in learning Arabic, both synchronously and asynchronously. This will indirectly contribute to higher achievements in Arabic and the production of excellent and authoritative Arabic language graduates.