School absenteeism is today an alarming problem for administrators, teachers, parents as well as the society in general due to its prevalence but mostly due to its adversity on pupil's performance. Now, in order to counteract this phenomenon, it is imperative to firstly consider its causes in a bid to find adequate solutions.
Some of the causes might be:
- Lack of personal interest in studies
- The mental capacity of the pupil does not allow him to cope with the level of the teaching.
- Poor teacher-pupil relationship
- Bullying from peers
What could be other reasons behind absenteeism?
The Role of Family in Absenteeism
ReplyDeleteThe above-mentioned points are surely genuine. Yet, the role of parents are of equal significance.Parent's inconsiderate attitude towards the education of their children o Poor family background: Lack of means for procuring school materials. Poor parenting: Children subject to violence and lack of communication In my opinion, the consequences matters as well in the sense that they might help in dissuading parents, during sensitising campaigns, to permit absences of their children.
The Consequences
ReplyDeleteWhen pupils are absent froms school frequently, they cannot keep up with the work done and they lose interest in that particular work. Therefore, regular absences will obviously sum up to gross disinterest and eventually a decline in the whole of their academic performance.
Long-term consequence of absenteeism
ReplyDeleteNow, absenteeism also bears effects on the long-term. Absenteeism is considered as a predictor of higher education dropout triggered by repeated failures in examinations. This later on ensues numerous problems in life such as difficulty in getting employed and living a decent life.
Measures to Combat Absenteeism
ReplyDeleteHaving discussed about the causes and consequences of absenteeism, preventive measures are easier formulated. One possible solution might be the seting up and dissemination of public awareness campaigns by educational authorities.
Schools administrators should call for meetings with parents whose children are frequently absent and identify those who have genuine reasons. Then, solutions can be found individually to their problems.
Moreover, schools can provide positive incentives to children from poor families such as providing school materials, luch packs or extra-coaching to slow learners. They should also provide enriching and engaging activities such as music, sketch, sports activities or frequent outings which are enriching but mainly enjoyable.
ReplyDelete