2024-05-31
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Study Abroad
Challenges of Attendance: Navigating Absenteeism in College Classrooms
Why Students Skip Class: Understanding the Root Causes
Challenges of Attendance: Navigating Absenteeism in College Classrooms
In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, widespread absenteeism is evident in elementary, middle, and high schools. To gauge if a similar pattern exists in colleges and universities, EdSurge interviewed Terri Hasseler, a professor at Bryant University and the director of its Center for Teaching Excellence. Hasseler highlights factors contributing to student disengagement, such as a lack of academic stamina, evolving parenting practices, and faculty's failure to convey the importance of attendance. Absenteeism in higher education is challenging to measure due to varying absence policies, and while some professors enforce strict attendance rules, others prioritize student well-being. Disengagement manifests differently, with some students physically present but mentally absent. The interview underscores the need for educators to articulate the value of classroom engagement, emphasizing peer interaction and active participation in the learning process. Hasseler also discusses the impact of student disengagement on grades and academic performance, noting the socioeconomic factors that may contribute to disengagement. She suggests that parenting practices, such as snowplow parenting, may hinder students' ability to cope with academic challenges. Additionally, there's a trend of students not completing academic work or expecting extensions, potentially influenced by the pandemic's disruptions and the need for flexible learning environments. Despite the pandemic's formal end, the lingering unrest continues to affect student engagement and academic performance, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues effectively in higher education settings.
