Effectiveness and challenges of online student coaching program during the COVID-19 disaster
Effectiveness and challenges of online student coaching program during the COVID-19 disaster

Summary/Abstract: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Educational Counseling and Student Coaching Online Training Program implemented by the Izmir Institute of Technology Continuing Education Center (IYTESEM) within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, regarded as a global disaster. Designed as a case study with a mixed method approach, the research involved 68 participants in six different program periods. Quantitative data were collected through a validated Program Evaluation Questionnaire (α = 0.88), while qualitative data were obtained via semi-structured interviews, analyzed using content analysis. Findings indicate that the online student coaching training was generally effective and efficient, particularly in terms of accessibility, flexibility, and time saving. However, limitations were identified in areas such as communication, motivation, and active participation when compared to face-to-face education. The study highlights that the COVID-19 disaster necessitated a rapid transition to online education, exposing critical challenges in interaction, digital infrastructure, and pedagogical adaptation. It is concluded that for online student coaching programs to be sustainable and impactful in disaster conditions, flexible models and crisis-responsive pedagogical strategies must be developed.

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