Six strategies for boosting student attendance

Student attendance is one of the most important factors in academic achievement. Regular attendance has been linked to improved grades, a deeper comprehension of the subject matter and a more satisfying college experience, studies show. 

Here, we look at the many approaches academics can use to raise student attendance.

1. Active teaching methods

Engaging teaching techniques can improve class attendance levels. When teachers use creative and interactive teaching techniques in their classrooms, students are more likely to absorb the lessons.

Examples:

• Group discussions: Set your students a group project in which they work together to solve a case scenario or prepare an assignment.
• Self-directed learning: Hold self-directed sessions. Students like to show off their skills, share in the teaching process and feel that they are actively participating in their learning process. And their work gets instant feedback.
• Team-based learning: Students enjoy this technique and their attendance is always high. Team-based learning (TBL) consists of three components: a pre-session quiz, a group discussion and a post-session quiz. The session begins with students completing a pre-session quiz to assess their initial understanding. After this, a case scenario is presented for an open class discussion, during which both students and the tutor collaboratively analyse the case. Through this interactive discussion, students naturally achieve the learning outcomes of the lesson. The session concludes with a post-session quiz, allowing for an assessment of their understanding of the topic after the discussion.
• Flipped classroom: The flipped classroom model – in which students participate in activities during class and study lecture content at home – improves attendance and engagement.
• Peer evaluation: Integrate peer evaluation when assessing student assignments. When students are involved in the assessment process and have an active role in the session’s delivery, they’re more likely to attend sessions.
• Problem-based learning: Another engaging teaching strategy is problem-based learning (PBL), which has brainstorming and debriefing sessions.
• Gamification of medical education: Gamification is a key component of our teaching approach, regularly incorporating activities such as crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, card games, matching games, role-playing and clue hunts (where students read clues placed on tables and search for corresponding answers hidden around the classroom). These games are integrated into our tutorials to enhance student comprehension in a fun and engaging manner. This approach has been shown to significantly improve student attendance, engagement and focus during class. I typically include one to three games per tutorial session, as the session lasts for two hours, ensuring that time is used to reinforce learning outcomes enjoyably. As a result, students feel more positive and motivated, and the information is communicated to them more clearly and effectively.

2. Rewards for presence

The application of rewards to promote attendance is one of the most effective strategies to encourage student attendance.

Examples:

• Extra credit: Offering additional credit for attendance dramatically improves student involvement.
• Participation points: Student attendance is greatly increased when participation points are added to the grading system.
• Tangible rewards: Material prizes, such as gift cards, can really motivate students to attend classes. Consider carefully what kind of reward to offer and its perceived value among your students.

3. Technology integration in session delivery

Integrating technology, multimedia and interactive software into your lessons leads to increased attendance. Members of Generation Z are big fans of technology and are more likely to attend lessons in person if they know it will be used.

• Resource collection: back to the basics of pedagogy
• Harness the power of the cliffhanger to hook Gen Z’s scrolling minds
• Develop and nurture teaching presence in a learning community

4. Institutional guidelines and assistance

Support networks and institutional policies are also very important in encouraging attendance.

Examples:

• Mandatory attendance policies: When mandated attendance regulations are applied consistently and with clarity, there is an increase in attendance rates. A specific minimum attendance rate is requested for the student to be able to attend the exam. Strict rules and policies make students’ attendance much more certain.
• Attendance tracking systems: Students can use digital attendance monitoring systems to notify teachers in advance of attendance problems.
• Support services: Academic advising and counselling, as well as other support services, can address any underlying difficulties the student might be having that affect their attendance.
• Student affairs committee efforts: A professional student affairs committee is following up on each student’s attendance rates. It sends alerts to any student with potentially low rates of attendance to notify them to take care of their attendance and try to improve it before it gets too late. This approach is helping students to be more aware and has increased their attendance.

5. Artificial-intelligence-powered attendance systems

AI-based systems can automate and streamline attendance, which improves accuracy and saves time.

Examples:

• Facial recognition: Identify and authenticate students as they enter classrooms using AI-based systems.
• Real-time processing: These technologies instantaneously register the attendance of identified pupils by processing collected photos in real time.
• Integration with databases: Attendance records are accurate since the system is integrated with the school’s student database.
• Automated notifications: The system can create thorough attendance records for teachers and administrators, as well as automatic messages to the students concerning their attendance.

6. Foster a connection with your students

Developing a solid peer and instructor connection is essential for increasing student attendance. Teachers should promote connections by learning their students’ names, always showing up and creating a positive and engaging learning atmosphere.

Improving student attendance requires incentives, engaging teaching methods, supportive institutional policies and innovative technologies such as AI-based systems and gamification. But, above all, building strong relationships with your students will motivate to them to show up and learn.