Planning for absences
Sometimes my plans for active learning activities gets thwarted by too few students in class or absences. Anyone have any ideas for planning around this? Sometimes I only have a few students in my class.
Hi Wardell,
Wow, what an easy way to gain a lot points simply by attending class. At my institution attendance is worth 5%, and participation is worth 5%.
Patricia Scales
Instead of separating Participation and Attendance for grading, I only grade for Attendance. I inform the students on the first day that as a result of this, everyone will be "forced" to participate. We have 50 contact hours over 10 weeks. The students are awarded 2 points for a 5 hour class session which ties in with the full 100 points needed for class success. The scoring breaks down to 0.4 points for every hour and 0.1 points for every 15 minutes. Thus, 20% of their final grade is determined by being present and being actively engaged with the class activities.
Hi Darleen,
I understand! Students should realize that every class day is important although most don't.
Patricia Scales
I agree with setting the bar high and not allowing "make-ups" but then I have to be sure the student understand the importance of attendance on this day.
Hi Lionel,
You may want to implement an attendance/participation grade to encourage students to come on lab day.
Patricia Scales
Usually shy students or new students to the class most of the time will try to avoid group work into my lab day. Absences are hurting them because attendance will help them to finish the class with the highest grade possible. Since team are usually planning the day before, lab day gets a little sabotage.
Hi Jackie,
I agree! I never hold the class up for absent students. If one student shows I teach as if I have a classroom full of students. We have to teach the ones who are there.
Patricia Scales
I try a couple of techniques: if it is an important learning activity that I have scheduled, I give advanced notice and develop excitement for the activity. Taking into account the unknowns of the student’s daily lives, I plan for the activity to be able to be conducted with different size groups. But what I do not do is repeat the activity for those who do not make it for the class (unless there is an excused absence). I give the missing student(s) another project that is not as much fun so they develop accountability to attend class on significant demonstration days.
Hi James,
Having an attendance policy really encourages attendance. Students need to realize the importance of attendance at school and in the work place.
Patricia Scales
I use mandatory attendance policies. Additionally, the requirements for each class is delimited by the syllabus and email reminders are sent to each student.
Hi Melody,
I like the idea of encouraging attendance for the labs by not allowing students to make up time. You really get from students what you expect! Set the bar high and most students will rise to the occasion.
Patricia Scales
Hi Esther,
Go on with a few students; do not wait on those students who are not there; teach the ones who are there.
Patricia Scales
I plan for a 45- 60 minute "Lab" at the end of every class. The information presented prior to the lab provides critical information for completing the lab successfully (often presented as a power-point). Participation in this lab is valued at 10 points per class, and counts toward the potential 30 points per class in the area of "Faculty Assessment", total value of which is 20% of final grade!
These labs are not possible to "make up" if the class is missed; as a result I have few absences.
Additionally, these labs provide information and practical experience which serves to enhance major projects. The students understand the practical value and application of the lab experience and seem eager to participate.
