Spring Break
Attendance mandatory, learning optional
By: Mike Hathaway
Issue date: 4/14/08 Section: Opinions
If you're a student, you've experienced some of the ridiculous policies that characterize many undergraduate classes.
Among these schemes is mandatory attendance. For some, a limited absence policy is a motivator that keeps students coming to class. For others, it is a nuisance that interferes with life's occasional curve ball. Mandatory attendance policies are simply Band-Aids for deeper academic wounds. They are quick fixes that challenge the prerogative of the student and undermine the grading structure, and ought to be reevaluated immediately.
In the absence of a university-wide standard, attendance policies are left to the discretion of individual instructors. Sometimes, instructors defer to a department-wide standard absence policy. Often, these policies include attendance as a part of the "class participation" grade. Sometimes, points are deducted from (or simply not added to) the final grade for each absence. These policies are likely made with the good intention of improving the learning environment. The result, however, is counterproductive to the use of grades as measures of academic performance.
The "participation grade" is based on wishful thinking that a student who attends class also participates: Instructors will likely agree that, often times, there are students who are physically present but mentally absent. These students benefit simply by having their name checked off during roll call. Yes, a more liberal student absence policy might reduce attendance, and a class with limited student attendance might be difficult to teach. Attendance itself, however, is a poor measure of student participation and involvement. If the goal of the attendance-based "participation grade" is to encourage participation, the policy has failed. There is no such thing as passive participation.
The UA general catalog states, "The university believes that students themselves are primarily responsible for attendance." This is common sense. Furthermore, absent students are primarily liable for what they miss. Many instructors have strict policies that prohibit or penalize late work; absent students lose. Absentees miss course material that may not be presented anywhere but lecture, and are consequently less prepared for assignments and exams; they lose again. So be it. The penalty for absence is built in to students' grades because they have missed material crucial to the execution of graded assignments. And if they learn the missed material before the exam? Bravo, they have worked for it. The current "double jeopardy" effect of missing class is punitive, and has no place in a reputable university.
Among these schemes is mandatory attendance. For some, a limited absence policy is a motivator that keeps students coming to class. For others, it is a nuisance that interferes with life's occasional curve ball. Mandatory attendance policies are simply Band-Aids for deeper academic wounds. They are quick fixes that challenge the prerogative of the student and undermine the grading structure, and ought to be reevaluated immediately.
In the absence of a university-wide standard, attendance policies are left to the discretion of individual instructors. Sometimes, instructors defer to a department-wide standard absence policy. Often, these policies include attendance as a part of the "class participation" grade. Sometimes, points are deducted from (or simply not added to) the final grade for each absence. These policies are likely made with the good intention of improving the learning environment. The result, however, is counterproductive to the use of grades as measures of academic performance.
The "participation grade" is based on wishful thinking that a student who attends class also participates: Instructors will likely agree that, often times, there are students who are physically present but mentally absent. These students benefit simply by having their name checked off during roll call. Yes, a more liberal student absence policy might reduce attendance, and a class with limited student attendance might be difficult to teach. Attendance itself, however, is a poor measure of student participation and involvement. If the goal of the attendance-based "participation grade" is to encourage participation, the policy has failed. There is no such thing as passive participation.
The UA general catalog states, "The university believes that students themselves are primarily responsible for attendance." This is common sense. Furthermore, absent students are primarily liable for what they miss. Many instructors have strict policies that prohibit or penalize late work; absent students lose. Absentees miss course material that may not be presented anywhere but lecture, and are consequently less prepared for assignments and exams; they lose again. So be it. The penalty for absence is built in to students' grades because they have missed material crucial to the execution of graded assignments. And if they learn the missed material before the exam? Bravo, they have worked for it. The current "double jeopardy" effect of missing class is punitive, and has no place in a reputable university.
Policy on posting: The Arizona Daily Wildcat would like to offer readers an opportunity to voice their opinions and engage in community conversation. However, readers should refrain from personal attacks or advertisements in their comments. When a reader chooses to participate in the Daily Wildcat's online comments, they should be aware that all comments and postings do not reflect the views of the publication.
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 6
Bill
posted 4/14/08 @ 11:48 AM PST
"Attendance becomes the end, not the means, of education. If the classes are informative and interactive enough, students will go to class because they must in order to succeed. (Continued…)
Nick
posted 4/14/08 @ 4:36 PM PST
I agree with this article. At this point in life, attendance should entirely be the responsibility of the students.
In addition, everyone prioritizes differently, and most prioritize day-to-day. (Continued…)
Connie
posted 4/14/08 @ 5:36 PM PST
So a student who lays out of 3/4 of their classes, simply pushing through a couple of papers which may or may not have been authored by the student anyway--and they should be rewarded with credit for a course which they have failed to evidence participation in? That's ludicrous. (Continued…)
Emily
posted 3/03/09 @ 12:04 PM PST
I think this is so very true! I am a college student in Nebraska researching this subject and you have provided me with a lot of insight! Thank you. (Continued…)
Ryan
posted 4/24/09 @ 1:24 PM PST
Here's what I have to say about college attendance. First off, I hate it when a teacher says if you miss more than 3 days then your grade will drop one letter grade. (Continued…)
Post a Comment