Two years into the COVID-19 pandemic: An analysis of learning outcomes and student engagement at an economics university

The COVID-19 pandemic generated a switch from in-person to online learning. Using data from four academic years and two related disciplines (Management accounting and Performance measurement and control), we analyzed the impact of medium-term and exclusive online learning on student engagement, learning outcomes, and student perception of online learning. The sample consisted of four groups of undergraduate accounting students (a total sample of 415 students) from the most important university of economics in Romania. We applied paired t-tests and independent t-tests, correlation measures, and principal component analysis. The results showed a decline in learning outcomes from one discipline to another (seminar scores, exam results), and a decline for one discipline (Performance measurement and control) over a three-year period. Also, a weaker student engagement during the second year of the pandemic indicated that the passage of time highlighted the disconnect between students and the academic environment. Surprisingly, student engagement and learning outcomes were not correlated with two measures of student satisfaction (cognitive stimulation and convenience). It appears that student satisfaction with online learning remained at a high level despite an increased risk of academic failure. Unsurprisingly, there was a rebound in academic performance when classes switched to in-person education in the spring of 2022. Our results have implications for the future design of online and blended learning in universities.