How to deal with students who are often absent
Students who regularly miss class present special challenges for teachers; often these students don't have a good reason for missing class. How do you help them? There isn't time to go back over lots of material, otherwise you will run out of time and slow the progress of the other students. I suggest to students that they ask classmates for notes or input. I also highlight major points. I expect students to read class assignments and be prepared for quizzes and exams. What do other teachers do?
We use an online grading system called ENGRADE where I can post and attach documents (outlines, rubrics, etc). I utilize the calendar funtion so they know what we did (or are doing) in each class. It's a great tool for absent students to keep up.
Anthony,
I agree that the majority of course content should be posted onto the student portal. However, I personally do not post lecture notes to the portal, to ensure that students will attend class to receive the information.
Tremayne Simpson
I agree with this. If you are posting all of the key assignments and expectations on the Portal, then students who prefer autonomy can work at their own pace and in their own way. I certain preferred this when I was a student. However, there is also no substitute for taking detailed notes during the class lecture. No amount of outside work can make up for missing this crucial learning experience.
I usually try to keep in touch with the students via email and phone calls o keep them on track and to show that I care about their education
I do the same thing as well. I don't think that it is fair to those who make the effort to be here on a daily basis to suffer. I make sure that those who are absent make the effort to get the missed information from another student and proceed from there.
Jerry,
In addition, it is important to post all course materials to the student portal. This enables them to be more autonomous and responsible for their learning, which will be a key factor for them when they enter the career world.
Tremayne Simpson
I encourage the students to inform me if they know they will miss a class so I can provide them with the materials that will be covered. I think it is important to monitor students' attendance and also empower them to value the importance of being present for each class.
There are several ways you can deal with students that are absent. You can ask students to provide notes or the instructor can make copies of the lesson plan
I try to have a bullet point sheet printed for each day's lesson, and I also keep an "office hour" schedule 3 days a week before or after class for the student to ask me any specific questions or finish production work. The student needs to schedule the time with me to make up the work, usually within 10 days of the missed time.
Kelly,
It also provides the students with an opportunity to network and share information with their classmates. This will work as excellent preparation for them, when they begin their careers.
Tremayne Simpson
Absolutely! Having students exchange contact information with each other works well for me. That way they can get a copy of the notes, etc. when they do miss class.
Ashley,
I have provided a similar message to my students on the first day of class. I believe that the key to maintaining good course attendance, is directly related to the activities and instructional methods that are used in each session. If a student feels that there is not a lot of material that is being covered in class, they will have a reason to not attend.
Tremayne Simpson
I agree, this does present a challenge to instructors. I am brutally honest on the first day of class, I let everyone know that we cover A LOT of material during every class. So missing just one class can be a major set-back. I know things do however come up, so I encourage the student's to keep in touch with me via e-mail and I will gladly let them know what they missed that day in class so they won't be totally clueless come the next class.
They usually are sincere, we must also take into account that I am intructor of young adults, it is not usual to lie, also my school system makes them lose the hours until, justified or not, so they try to not absent if necessary. thanks
Rasiel Matos
Rasiel,
When you ask your students about their absences, are they typically candid with their responses?
Tremayne Simpson
Hi all
Usually talk to the student to understand the causes of absence and to determine if well justified or just lost interest in the class, and acted accordingly, these students usually have to make an "extra time" out of the program, my school is allowed, sometimes it is very necessary because if a class of phlebotomy, the practice is difficult to recover, but the theoretical part is recovered without problems, I do not think asking other students class notes can incorporate knowledge.
Regards Rasiel Matos
oriole,
In all "For Profit" institutions, student retention is an important part of the business. However, it is important that we prepare our students for the career world, therefore excessive "hand-holding" can deter them from becoming autonomous citizens. I agree with you, in that this procedure can limit the amount of accountability that is placed on the students.
Tremayne Simpson
In my school we have to call, email and text missing students at the lunch break, then record how we tried to reach the student in the school portal when we take attendance.
We are also expected to work with the students so they can catch up. This is so time consuming. I feel like I teach every lesson 2 or 3 times.
Students know this is the school policy so don't really care if they miss. We often have students that game the system, one week in class one week gone. This week was the first of a new term and I have at least 2 or 3 studen't missing from each class. One said she wasn't coming till week 2. I am expected to work with her to get her caught up.
I have classroom rules typed up that I hand to students at the first day of class and in it explains how I will deal with absentee. I do not allow any extra time for missed assignments, it will be due upon arrival before the end of the day. Tests will be made up on the date that you return and I do not allow students to make up pop quizzes
