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From Crisis to Continuity: A Conceptual Analysis of Teaching and Learning Approaches in Malaysian Universities During the Pandemic and Endemic Periods

Open access

Mohd Amirul Atan, Ahmad Azfar Abdul Hamid, Sheik Badrul Hisham Jamil Azhar, Nur Aqilah Norwahi

Pages 2613-2623 Received: 26 Oct, 2024 Revised: 23 Nov, 2024 Published Online: 19 Dec, 2024

http://dx.doi.org/10.46886/IJARBSS/v14-i12/13937
The Covid-19 pandemic profoundly disrupted higher education globally, necessitating a rapid shift to online and distance learning to ensure educational continuity (Sato et al., 2024). In Malaysian universities, this transition highlighted both the opportunities and challenges of technology-driven pedagogy. As the nation entered the endemic phase, institutions adapted to hybrid teaching models, blending digital and in-person approaches to address gaps observed during the pandemic (Eldy et al., 2023). This conceptual study compares teaching and learning (T&L) strategies employed in Malaysian universities during the pandemic and endemic periods, analysing their evolution and effectiveness. Drawing on a review of academic literature, the study identifies key pedagogical trends, challenges, and innovations. Findings reveal that while the pandemic catalysed significant digital adoption, it also exposed issues related to accessibility, engagement, and equity. Conversely, the endemic period emphasised resilience and sustainability through hybrid learning frameworks. The study offers insights into best practices for enhancing future higher education delivery and proposes recommendations for policy and institutional reforms to ensure inclusivity, adaptability, and preparedness for future disruptions. This research contributes to the growing discourse on post-pandemic higher education, with implications for Malaysia and similar contexts globally.
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