In the dynamic landscape of modern education, it is essential to understand and recognize the psychological habits that underpin students’ learning processes. These habits play a crucial role in shaping students’ learning outcomes, motivation, and overall educational experiences. This paper shifts the focus towards a more nuanced exploration of these psychological habits in learning, particularly among secondary school students. We propose an innovative assessment model that integrates multimodal data analysis with the quality function deployment theory and the subjective-objective assignment method. This model employs the G-1-entropy value method for an objective evaluation of students’ psychological learning habits. The G-1-entropy method stands out for its comprehensive, objective, and practical approach, offering valuable insights into students’ learning behaviors. By applying this method to assess the psychological aspects of learning, this study contributes to educational research and informs educational reforms. It provides a robust framework for understanding students’ learning habits, thereby aiding in the development of targeted educational strategies. The findings of this study offer strategic directions for educational management, teacher training, and curriculum development. This research not only advances theoretical knowledge in the field of educational psychology but also has practical implications for enhancing the quality of education. It serves as a scientific foundation for educators, administrators, and policymakers in shaping effective educational practices.

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted global crises and enforced strict measures like the Movement Control Order (MCO) in Malaysia, significantly impacting societal norms, particularly affecting secondary school students. The current study employs a qualitative methodology to determine how COVID-19 affects the life stress experienced by secondary school students. Secondary school students were recruited in Sabah, Malaysia, from April to August 2022, after Malaysia entered the endemic phase on 1 April 2022. As part of a larger survey, students were asked to respond to an open-ended question about life stressors they face as a result of the pandemic COVID-19 or during home-based teaching and learning (PdPR). A total of 1069 secondary school students from various backgrounds were included in the study. However, only 714 students responded to the open-ended question. The pattern of meaning across the texts was determined using Birks and Mills’s method of multilevel coding. The students’ perspectives on life stressors were classified into five broad categories: restriction stress, emotional stress, online study stress, family-related stress, and others-related stress. Restriction stress, which refers to being confined at home, restricted movement, hampered family, friendship, and outdoor activities, and no freedom were rated as the most significant life stressors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic by students. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and parents, emphasizing the profound effect of pandemic-induced restrictions on student life and the essential role of targeted interventions in fostering resilience among students.