Student Attendance
Motivating student's to attend every class is essential to success.
Hi Jill,
I understand your perspective! You are right. Students need to know what is required and expected of them, and they should not expect anything in return.
Patricia
I tend not to reward behavior that is expected. Students starting a career will not be rewarded if the arrive on time or go everyday.
However, there is a benefit to coming to class everyday. I make sure the students are engaged in the learning process and want to come to school for fear of missing something exciting and important.
JAMES,
Thank you for your input, I will continue to give this as a reward for hard work. It is so amazing how appreciative the learners are of the reward. Some get no positivce reinforcement at home so this really lifts their learning spirit.
Beverly
I just finished a session with 38 students. The class, in the same room, finished at the same time. Both the teacher of that class as well as myself found that those with perfect attendance moved up the grade point ladder from a B to an A and were informed that it was due to the perfect attendance as well as all the work they had put into the classes. I truly believe this is the reward most are looking for.
I always reward perfect attendance. In this day alot of outside sources pull the adult learner in many different directions. I tell my students on the first day of class,pay attention and try your best. If you are very close to getting a higher grade, but tests scores do not allow you to get an A, perfect attendance, and great class participate, as well as hard work, I will reward that. Because in Life hard work is always rewarded.
I also agree that with the busy lifestyle of the adult learner that attendance and timely class start is a challenge. I ask the students what their day is like before they have to attend class. This can show students that others are in the same boat, this can also show me what the students are dealing with at home or work. We then talk about time management and strategies to make the day easier.
Hi Angela,
Great encouragement! I like to reward my students with perfect attendance, if my class has 100% attendance for the five week grading period, I give them a pizza party.
Patricia
At my institution we have trouble with an 8 o'clock start time. Many students have to get children to school. I have been giving mini quizzes every class to help boost student attendance. I tell those that will be late daily that I will not give the quiz early so that they can also participate.
Our school offers incentives for students to maintain good attendance. For example, the school ran a contest to encourage good attendance for the first two weeks of classes. The names of students with 100% attendance for the first two weeks of class were put into a drawing for free gas cards. First place received a free gas card each week for the whole semester. Second and third place received individual gas cards for a specific amount. It was a positive motivator for students to come to class, especially the student population that are enrolled in night classes.
I this day and age this can be very difficult to accomplish. With most students working, personal life, and school there is a balance they must find, and most often school is the first to suffer for many of the students.
