Strategies for Forming Interpersonal Communication in Increasing Student Motivation During the Covid 19 Pandemic
Authors: Subiakto Vania Utamie , Ari Ispawati 
Published: July 2024

When the Covid-19 virus emerged, people’s lives experienced changes. The process of face-to-face communication that is usually formed in society is changing. Where communication is carried out online or using online media. However, face-to-face communication is replaced by meeting in cyberspace or called virtual. This is in line with the changes in learning carried out within universities. Students experience major changes in their daily attitudes. Since the activities of education-based institutions are carried out online (school from home), it indirectly affects student activities and attitudes. Especially felt by new students who are not familiar with lecture world activities in college. Therefore, the author will conduct research on Interpersonal Communication Formation Strategies in Increasing Student Learning Motivation During the Covid-19 Pandemic Study on Online Learning of Public Relations Students at Mercu Buana University Jakarta. The purpose of this study is to determine the strategy of Interpersonal Communication Formation in Increasing Learning Motivation of Public Relations Students of Mercu Buana University During the Covid-19 Pandemic, especially in Online Learning.

This study used the theory of Interpersonal Communication. Where in interpersonal communication there are 5 aspects that must be prepared in building a good relationship, including Openness Aspects, Empathy Aspects, Support Aspects, Positive Feelings Aspects and Equality Aspects. Interpersonal communication can occur between two people anywhere and anytime, either together or between a group. This research uses the Constructivist paradigm. The method used in this study uses Qualitative methods. This study used a descriptive type of research. This type of descriptive research intends to make systematic, factual, and accurate descriptions of the facts and nature of a particular population or area.

The results of research conducted by the author show that there are changes being made in society, especially in the learning process in higher education. Where these changes occur in the communication process that is built in the class of each course carried out by students and lecturers as well as the interpersonal communication process carried out by students and their friends. This process can be seen in the interpersonal communication process when distributing or coordinating coursework given by the lecturer. In this process, there are many communication barriers that occur between students. So, in the process, many students do not understand and do not listen to the directions and explanations from the lecturer concerned. Lack of motivation to learn results in a weak learning process, resulting in ineffectiveness and many discrepancies, especially in the context of understanding and analysis in carrying out the assignments for each course. These obstacles occur because students are reluctant or reluctant to ask their lecturers or friends so that their understanding and way of thinking is weak.