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Pros and cons of distant studies faced by teachers and students

publish time

21/04/2026

publish time

21/04/2026

KUWAIT CITY, April 21: Consultant psychiatrist Dr. Nawaf Al-Qudairi said the transition to distance learning resulted in complex psychological challenges, which affected the cognitive focus and time management of students, not to mention the escalation of anxiety and stress, particularly during rigorous assessment periods. In a statement to Kuwait TV, Al-Qudairi clarified that while distance learning is not a novel paradigm

– given the previous experience during the COVID- 19 pandemic

– it necessitates a rapid evolution in pedagogical approaches and a varied degree of expertise among educators. He pointed out that the role of educators is more complex now, especially when dealing with primary-level students whose attention span tends to be shorter. He stated that the domestic environment presents an array of distractions, which are absent from the traditional school setting.

He said this requires a strategic move by teachers to optimize engagement through diversified methodologies and segmenting curricula into concise and stimulating modules. He elaborated on the distinction between in-person and virtual instruction, indicating that the disparity extends beyond content to include human interaction. He disclosed that certain factors like non-verbal communication, vocal tonality, and facial expressions, which are vital for establishing a strong teacher-student relationship and achieving comprehensive understanding, are remarkably diminished behind digital screens. Regarding older students, he asserted that even if these students have a more sophisticated capacity for comprehension, they are also susceptible to various forms of stress resulting from the absence of a traditional institutional environment.

By Marwa Al-Bahrawi Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff