Encouraging Attendance
I am looking for ideas on how to encourage attendance in class, besides having quizzes or assignments. I feel that I am doing my best to make the classes as interesting as possible, but I still have students who are skipping a lot of class. Other than giving graded assignments or quizzes during class, what methods have you used to encourage attendance?
I suggest you make class participation part of your cumulative grading.
I use both graded assignments where attendance is required for full credit and my established rapport. I always tell a funny story or use a funny analogy to keep them 'entertained' while learning. In addition, my students know I am human. Using a combination of grades and humanity seems to keep them coming back.
Hi Mary,
Good way to keep your students attending. Even though they are going to school to gain an education that will create a future for themselves they in many cases don't come to class as they should. By having consequences for them missing and/or attending you they can decide which way they go on attending. Don't lose points, attend earn points. May they chose wisely.
Gary
Even though these are college students they still will respond to awards and recognition. Try giving something--points which will accumulate toward a higher test grade, a cookie, name on the board posted with others of perfect attendance, or even a certificate for those who have near perfect or perfect attendance. You have to make the students want to reach a goal.
Norma Liberatore
I find that if there are not graded assignments or quizzes, I have a lot of absences. Therefore, I make it standard that there will be something every day which requires attendance to receive the full points.
Hi Erin,
One thing I do to encourage attendance is I have an old coffee pot from my house that I don't need anymore, so I brought it in to my classroom. I also have some snacks that I bring. My class meets for about 4 hours right during the supper hour, so I think it helps to have some refreshments available. I have very small classes so this works well for me, but if you wanted to pass around a treat sign up for students to volunteer to bring some things in, that might help.
Otherwise I have the usual: quizzes, assignments, and presentation points. Good luck. PS. I still have students who can't make it to class despite my treats, coffee, and cheery attitude. Any other suggestions from the class?
