Student absenteeism: whose responsibility?

Abstract

Internationally there is concern about levels of student absenteeism. Research underpinning this article consisted of a survey of academic staff and 25 interviews with first year students in a well regarded ‘new’ university in Britain. The article explores the issue of poor attendance and why a significant number of students seem to have difficulty in engaging fully with their studies in order to become critical and autonomous learners. We look at the role of government policy, institutions, educators, students, schools and parents.

Keywords:

• absenteeism
• responsibility
• attendance policies