Student attendance is a critical factor in academic success. However, many students face barriers that prevent them from attending classes regularly. In this post, we will explore various strategies to improve student attendance by addressing these barriers, building a sense of belonging, creating connections, and correcting misconceptions about attendance.

Understanding the Factors Influencing Attendance

Just like professionals do when deciding whether to attend a meeting, students weigh several factors when deciding whether to attend class:

• Clarity of Purpose: Understanding the importance and objectives of the class.
• Sense of Community: Feeling connected with peers and the instructor.
• Consequences and Rewards: Knowing the implications of missing a class and the benefits of attending.
• Engagement: Expecting stimulating activities and discussions.
• Missing Important Information: Realizing that missing class means missing out on crucial information.

Addressing Barriers

Students often miss classes due to barriers such as illness, transportation failures, caregiving responsibilities, or work commitments. Not all of these barriers are in students’ control. Here are some strategies to account for these barriers:

• Allow Absences: Permit a few unexcused absences without requiring a doctor’s note. For example, a 10% allowance translates to 3 classes for courses that meet twice a week and 4 classes for courses that meet three times a week.
• Form Study Groups: Encourage students to form study groups to support each other. This is particularly helpful for first year students.
• Show You Care: Demonstrate genuine concern for students’ well-being. Acknowledge the challenges they face. Reach out to students who miss class with a simple email to check on them.

Building a Sense of Belonging

Creating an inclusive and welcoming classroom environment is essential for improving attendance:

• Check-In Activities: Start each class with a check-in activity to engage students and build community.
• Utilize a “Who is in Class” form: Ask students to complete an anonymous survey gathering information about their identities and attributes to help you create an environment of belonging. Contact TLC for a Qualtrics copy of this survey.
• Use Names: Learn and use students’ names to make them feel valued.
• Provide Choices: Incorporate student choice in assignments and activities to increase engagement.
• Use Critical Incidents Questionnaires: This tool allows students to share things that may make them feel unwelcome.

Creating Connections

Students are more likely to attend classes when they feel connected to their professor, peers, and the course content:

• Share Your Passion: Show enthusiasm for the subject and share your learning journey. Students are motivated by professors who demonstrate genuine passion for the subjects they teach.
• Rebrand Office Hours: Call them “student hours” and hold them in accessible locations. You can take this a step further by making an office hours visit a required assignment in your course.
• Group Work: Use group activities to foster peer connections.
• Connect Course Work with Life and Career: Help students understand how topics are relevant to their lives and career aspirations. When they can see the relevance, you will pique their curiosity.

Correcting Misconceptions

Students may have misconceptions about the importance of attendance. Address these by:

• Setting Clear Expectations: Explain why attendance is crucial and what students gain from attending. Consider adding an activity that explores what research says about attendance and grades.
• Engage Students in Policy Making: Involve students in creating attendance policies to give them a sense of ownership.
• Provide Incentives: Offer incentives for attending classes, such as grades or time to work on projects.
• Strategically Share Course Materials: Don’t post everything before the class session. Consider posting an outline of class sessions before the class, then publishing the slides and other materials after class. If you’re worried about forgetting the second step, take advantage of D2L features that let you schedule publication.  

Conclusion

Improving student attendance requires a multifaceted approach that addresses barriers, builds a sense of belonging, creates connections, and corrects misconceptions. By implementing these strategies, educators can create a more engaging and supportive learning environment that encourages regular attendance.

As a quick reminder, the TLC is always here to help provide additional resources or strategies to help you be the best educator that you can. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for more information, to ask questions, or just to say “hello”!