Placement during a Pandemic?: Exploring the Experiences & Perspectives of Students Completing Educational Placement during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Drawing on questionnaire responses from 204 students at an Irish higher education institution, this study explores educational placements completed during the COVID-19 pandemic. It examines students’ academic learning and experiences in early-childhood and primary-school settings, including the effects of public-health restrictions and competing demands. The paper identifies challenges, opportunities and implications for the organisation and support of future placements.