Differed Class Time: An Intervention to Pupils' Absenteeism

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

In line with the thrust of the K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum, pupils are graded based on their performance in written work, performance tasks, and a quarterly test. This would mean that pupils' attendance in school has a greater impact on their academic performance. Having the desire to bring back pupils interest in coming to school and bridge the learning gap that took place while pupils are absent from the class, a differed classroom time as an intervention was designed. It aimed to help improve pupils academic performance and to improve school performance as well.

METHODS

The researcher used purposive sampling since pupils that need immediate attention were chosen. Causes of their absences were triangulated and intervention was designed. Furthermore, a descriptive method was used in this action research. Data on the first quarter attendance was analyzed. Pupils with poor attendance were identified. The causes of their absence were triangulated and confirmed the primary causes of their problem.

RESULTS

The researcher-initiated 4 tables. Table 1 concerned with the Percentage of attendance and their Performance rating in the first quarter wherein it found that their poor attendance greatly affects their performance in the class. It can be gleaned in Table 2 that detailed on the Causes of Absenteeism based on an interview that home/family factor inferred the greatest factor that hindered their success. Table 3 talked about the comparative percentage of attendance which concluded to have a rapid increase starting from the first to the third quarter. On the other hand, it showed the pupils' performance rating that the expected increase was targeted. Hence, the intervention was effective.

DISCUSSIONS

Based on the findings, there is an increase in pupils' performance after the intervention. Thus, it is necessary to track pupils' absences. Understanding the root causes of their absences have to be investigated in the earlier part of the school year. Early intervention will give them a chance to make up their absences and help them achieve academically. Collaboration between pupils concerned, parents, teachers and school head can be helpful in designing an intervention. A friendly classroom atmosphere has to be established to pupils with anxiety, depression, indifference towards their peers, and those who need social acceptance.