Absenteeism and Disengagement Among College Students A Growing Concern

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, absenteeism has become a pressing issue not only in K-12 education but also in higher education. EdSurge interviewed Terri Hasseler, a professor and director at Bryant University’s Center for Teaching Excellence, to understand this trend. Hasseler highlighted a lack of 'academic stamina,' changing parenting practices, and inadequate communication from faculty about the importance of attendance as key factors contributing to student disengagement. She noted that both physical absenteeism and in-class distractions are prevalent, with students often attending classes but remaining mentally disengaged, which impacts their learning and the classroom environment.

The absence of uniform attendance policies in universities complicates the measurement of absenteeism, making it primarily anecdotal. While some professors enforce strict attendance policies, the pandemic has introduced leniency in attendance due to health concerns, affecting students' perceptions of classroom participation. Hasseler emphasized the need for faculty to articulate the value of in-person learning, stressing that classroom interactions, peer learning, and direct access to instructors are critical for a holistic educational experience. The interview also touched on the broader socio-economic factors influencing student engagement, suggesting that academic disengagement might correlate with socio-economic privilege and evolving parenting styles that limit students' ability to navigate academic challenges independently.