Addressing Absenteeism through Project M and M (Manood at Matuto)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Student absenteeism is a major concern for both elementary and secondary school educators. This problem, if not addressed properly, will result in pupils dropping out of school. In Calumpang Lejos Elementary School, there were some pupils who have incurred more than 5 days absences in a month. Project M and M were designed to help address this problem. This study aimed to manage the behavior of pupils towards coming to school every day. It also aimed to develop the value of education among pupils.

METHODS

Project M and M aimed to reduce the absences incurred by some Grade 4 to 6 pupils of Calumpang Lejos Elementary School from 5 days a month to at least one or two days a month. The project ran for three months. 5 pupils from Grade four, 4 pupils from Grade 5, and 3 pupils from Grade 6 were pulled out from their classes every Wednesdays and Fridays from 3:30 to 4:30 in the afternoon. Pupils were given thirty minutes to watch short films and documentaries that show how other children their age sacrifice just to be able to go to school every day. There were discussions after watching every short film or documentary. The pupils were, then, asked to answer some exercises related to what they have watched.

RESULTS

Improvement in the daily school attendance was observed among the pupils who became the subject of the study. There was an increase in the daily attendance of these pupils from 70% to 85%. The intervention used showed to be very helpful in making the pupils value education and in motivating them to avoid being absent from school. It was also found out there were some underlying factors that affect the pupil's attendance from schools such as the environment, family background, and the manner by which teachers deal with their pupils.

DISCUSSIONS

Short videos showing how other children from far-flung areas value education and home visitations contributed much to the success of this project. It was suggested that Project M and M must be implemented to the same set of pupils in the next school year for follow-up and continuous monitoring. It was suggested that other factors affecting pupils’ attendance at school should also be addressed.