BAGABAGA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, TAMALE
USING THE APPROPRIATE STRATEGIES TO EXAMINE
THE CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF ABSENTEEISM ON
STUDENTS OF KALADAN E/P JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
MOHAMMED ABDUL HALIK
2022
1
BAGABAGA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, TAMALE
USING THE APPROPRIATE STRATEGIES TO EXAMINE THE
CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF ABSENTEEISM ON STUDENTS OF
KALADAN E/P JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
BY
MOHAMMED ABDUL HALIK
BBCE/JHS/18/0336
PROJECT WORK SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF
SOCIAL SCIENCES EDUCATION, BAGABAGA COLLEGE OF
EDUCATION, IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF DEGREE IN
EDUCATION
OCTOBER, 2022
2
DECLARATION
CANDIDATE’S DECLARATION
I hereby declare that this project work is the result of my own original work and that no part
of it has been presented for award of certificate in the institute of education or elsewhere.
Candidate's Name:………………………………………….............................
..................................
Signature:…………………………………………………
Date: ………………………………………………………
SUPERVISOR'S DECLARATION
I hereby declare that the preparation and presentation of the project work was supervised in
accordance with the guidelines on supervision of project work laid down by the institute of
education, university of cape coast.
Supervisor's Name:
................................................. ....................................................…
Signature:………………………………………………...........................
Date: …………………………………………………….......................
i
ABSTRACT
Absenteeism is one of the most practiced ways of life in the country in all fields of work. However,
this practice has fundamental effects on the people who practice it and others at large.
In this project work, the writer tries to find out the effects of absenteeism on the academic
performance of pupils of KALADAN E/P J.H.S Form One(1). The writer identified that lack of
knowledge of its effects and others are the causes of this problem in the school. Also, the writer
identified some of the effects as poor performance in class which leads to demotion and causes a
lot of social vices. A lot of discussions have been held and a number of suggestions have been made
to help address the problem. The methodology employed in obtaining the data for the study entails
the research design, the research instruments, the data collection procedures and analysis of the data
collected. After diagnosing the problem the researcher advanced some intervention measures to
solve the problem. These intervention measures included the organization of parent-teachers
meeting, inspection of pupils’ attendance registers, checking of pupils’ performance through
exercise, follow-up and motivation.
ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
My profound gratitude goes to Allah for the life and health given to me. I am also grateful to Mr.
Abdulai Salifu Izudeen of Bagabaga College of Education for his efforts in guiding me with his
rich experience through the various steps involved in this research work. To the teachers and pupils
of KALADAN E/P J.H.S, I owe you mountains of gratitude for your co-operation.
iii
DEDICATION
I dedicate this work to my parents, Inusah Mohammed and Alhassan Sanatu
iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION
i
ABSTRACT
ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
iii
DEDICATION
iv
LIST OF TABLES
viii
LIST OF FIGURES
ix
CHAPTER ONE
1
INTRODUCTION
1
Background to the study
Ошибка! Закладка не определена.
Statement of the problem
3
Purpose of the study
4
Research Questions
4
Significance of the study
4
Limitations
5
Delimitation of the study
5
Organization of the study
6
CHAPTER TWO
6
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
6
INTRODUCTION
6
v
7
Overview of Students Absenteeism
Definition of Absenteeism
7
Causes of Absenteeism
7
Effects of absenteeism in schools
9
Possible Interventions to Absenteeism
10
CHAPTER THREE
12
METHODOLOGY
12
INTRODUCTION
12
Research Design
13
Population and sample selection
13
Research instruments
14
Observation
14
Interview
14
Questionnaires
15
Intervention process
15
Pre-intervention stage
16
Intervention stage
17
Post- intervention stage
17
Data Analysis Plan
17
CHAPTER FOUR
18
vi
RESULTS, FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS
18
INTRODUCTION
18
Presentation and Analysis of Data
18
Strategies to solve Absenteeism
23
CHAPTER FIVE
25
SUMMARY CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
25
INTRODUCTION
25
Summary
25
Conclusion
27
Recommendation
27
REFERENCES
28
APPENDICES
29
APPENDIX A:
29
APPENDIX B:
31
vii
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: An Intervention Plan
17
Table 2: Causes of pupil’s absenteeism
19
Table 3: Effects of absenteeism on pupils
21
Table 4 Strategies to solve absenteeism on pupils
24
viii
LIST OF FIGURES
Representing the causes of pupil’s absenteeism
20
Showing the effects of pupils in school
22
Representing strategies to solve absenteeism in schools
25
ix
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
Over the years, educationists have embarked on ways to improving the educational
standards in Ghana. Researchers in particular, are putting in effort to improve the
educational system with emphasis on how teachers can address the attendance of pupils to
school whilst also paying attention to whatever is going on in the teaching and learning
process. Parents are urged by educationists to play a key role in the character formation of
their children.
In view of this, parents must be interested in everything that concerns their children
including their attendance to school. Salaga Islamic primary school is one of the basic
schools in the East Gonja District and it is situated at the Central part of Tamale. The people
of Salaga where the school is situated belong to different ethnic groups, many of which are
of the northern ethnic groups. Some of these people are; Gonjas, Mamprusi, Dagombas,
Bimobas, Asantes and Kussasis.
Though, the school is in Salaga, interactions between the researcher and some of the
students' parents revealed that children from different places within the Metropolis also
attend this institution. These include pupils from Ngomallam,Mimpeasam, kapeter, and
other places.
The most widely spoken language in Salaga and its environment is Gonja, though other
languages like Twi, English, Dagare, Mamprusi and others are also spoken. Pupils from
Salaga and its surrounding areas predominantly speak Hausa at home, whiles in school the
only means of communication is the use of English Language. In view of this, parents are
1
encouraged to introduce English language to their wards at the early stage, so as to help
them in their formal education.
Teaching cannot be limited only to impacting of knowledge, but also it must include the
total development of the child personality to enable him or her live a full, meaningful and
resourceful life as to contribute his or her quota towards societal growth and development.
As teacher trainee, there are numerous problems that are encountered in the classroom when
exercising one’s professional duties. There has been a public outcry about the ever
increasing rate of absenteeism and attendance consequence among pupils in school
especially as in the case of some students of Salaga Islamic primary school.
According to the advance learner English Dictionary absenteeism “is the act or habit of
frequently being away from work or school without a good reason.”
Absenteeism according to Will Kenton (17 February, 2022) refers to the habitual nonpresence of an employee or a student at their job or school. Habitual non-presence extends
beyond what is deemed to be within an acceptable realm of days away from the office or
school for legitimate causes such as scheduled vacations, occasional illness, and family
emergencies.
This situation usually leads to the poor performance of pupils. This is a source of constant
worry to all concerned people including the researcher of this project work.
The issue of absenteeism was identified at Salaga Islamic primary school during outprogramme when the researcher went on Supported Teaching in Schools. This problem was
observed during the first four weeks when the researcher was tasked to handle Basic five
(5) pupils in the above mentioned school.
2
The situation of absenteeism in Salaga Islamic primary school was noted when a
number of students of Basic five (5) class were always absent from class. Even though
absenteeism occurs in School sometime, the situation in Salaga Islamic Basic five (5) class
is rather serious. During intervention and enquiries as well as personal contacts the
researcher speculated the following factors which may account for such absenteeism among
some of the pupils. They are:
(i)
Child labour
(ii)
Parent teacher neglect
(iii)
Peer group influence
(iv)
Illiteracy
(v)
Health problems
(vi)
Inadequate motivation
1.2 Statement of the problem
During the researcher’s Supported Teaching in Schools at Salaga Islamic primary school, it
was observed that some basic five (5) pupils in the school constantly absented themselves
from school. As a result of this, the academic performance of such pupils in the school was
seriously declining. This problem therefore prompted the researcher to investigate into the
causes of absenteeism of the pupils in Basic five (5) and to find appropriate ways and
methods of solving the problem. The researcher observed that in order for this problem to
be effectively dealt with, there is the need to adopt the action research model as a research
technique to carry out the investigations.
This research aims at restoring the interest of pupils as the cause of this problem and
its effects on pupils’ achievement as far as their education is concerned.
3
1.3 Purpose of the study
Observation based on pupils’ attendance to school during the recent Supported Teaching in
Schools at Salaga Islamic primary School revealed that pupils have no interest in coming to
school regularly. Many attempts have been made by the school head teachers to overcome
this problem yet the worse still happens.
Also, the issue of absenteeism has been discussed generally in the media of late indicating
how this problem affects School children and the ways of solving it. It is against this
background that the study is designed to assist in investigating the causes and effects of
absenteeism on pupils’ class achievement in education. It is also the wish of the researcher
to provide information that will help solve the problem identified in the study.
Research Questions
(i)
What are the possible causes of absenteeism of Basic five (5) pupils of Salaga
Islamic primary School?
(ii)
What are the effects of absenteeism on pupil’s educational achievement,
particularly Basic five (5) pupils in Salaga Islamic primary School?
(iii)
What are some possible solutions to the problem identified?
1.4 Significance of the study
The issue of absenteeism has gained much attention in most Ghanaian basic educational
institutions and it adds up to causes of low interest and performance of pupils in the various
Schools in the country. The result of this study will be of great benefit in the following
ways:
4
(a) Finding possible solutions to the causes of absenteeism of Basic five (5) pupils of
Salaga Islamic School.
(b) Complement the diverse ways made by educational stakeholders to improve upon
pupils’ achievement in education as a result of absenteeism.
(c) It will be of immense Significance to students and researchers who are eager to
undertake studies in related fields.
1.5 Limitations
The potential weaknesses that may affect the progress or the successful completion of this
study are as follows:
(i)
Pupils may not give correct information or good reasons why they keep absenting
themselves from school.
(ii)
The researcher may find it difficult to do individual home visit due to the number
of pupils involved in the study.
(iii)
Parents Teacher Association meeting are not regular enough to create awareness
on the causes and effects of absenteeism on their wards education and the role
they should play in order to help solve this problem.
(iv)
Teaching and writing of lesson notes.
1.6 Delimitation of the study
The scope of the study in the case of absenteeism will cover only Basic five (5) pupils of
Salaga Islamic primary School. The finding may not wholly represent causes and effects of
absenteeism in other schools and locations in the country.
5
1.7 Organization of the study
It is obvious that no research work can be successful without designing a laid down
procedure as to how it should be carried out. The researcher has therefore organized the
entire research work in to five main chapters.
Chapter one forms the introductory part of the research and discusses the background to the
study, statement of the problem, purpose of the study, research questions, significance of
the study, limitations of the study, delimitations of the study and organization of the study.
Chapter two which is the review of related literature intends to provide support to the study
by reviewing both primary and secondary information and summarizes major findings of
the literature reviewed.
Chapter three which forms the methodology provides the research design, population and
sample selection, research instrument, intervention process and data analysis plan.
In chapter four, the researcher provides results and findings of the research. Here the
discussions present results and findings of the research questions.
Finally, the last chapter which is chapter five deals with the summary, conclusions and
recommendations to the entire project work.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
2.1 Introduction
This aspect of the study brings to light the good work done by previous researchers on
student absenteeism. Under this chapter, the researcher wishes to break the discussion under
the headings below:
6

Overview of students’ absenteeism

Causes of students’ absenteeism

Effects of students’ absenteeism

Possible intervention to absenteeism.
2.2 Overview of Students Absenteeism
Many educational reforms failed to achieve their stated objectives due to the numerous
problems faced by schools including students’ absenteeism. Pupils’ absenteeism is one of
the major problems facing Ghanaian schools and consequently it is becoming a contributory
factor to the falling standard of education in Ghana particularly in the Northern Region.
2.2 Definition of Absenteeism
Absenteeism according to Will Kenton (17 February, 2022) refers to the habitual nonpresence of an employee or a student at their job or school. Habitual non-presence extends
beyond what is deemed to be within an acceptable realm of days away from the office or
school for legitimate causes such as scheduled vacations, occasional illness, and family
emergencies.
In our school situation the phenomenon may be explained as a situation where pupils stay
away from school or the classroom without permission from school authorities.
2.4 Causes of Absenteeism
Dondieu (2003) is of the view that inadequate transport arrangement to take pupils to and
from school results in absenteeism of pupils to school. He also opines that girls are
overburdened with household chores which lead to tiredness, hence it results in absenteeism
of pupils.
7
Absenteeism is negative attitude and Adjei (2001) highlighted that peer pressure makes it
difficult for pupils to change their negative attitudes. Most pupils tend to their peers in
everything they do. They may attend to other activities which are not important instead of
going to school. It may be difficult for them to change since they readily succumb to their
peers always.
Gyekye Kwame (2003) is of the view that, character development is an important aspect of
a child upbringing. He says that constant effort should be made to teach children the values
of society. He buttresses his point with a maxim that “absenteeism” does not bring up a
child from the above, it has been seen that a child absent from school can be caused by
parents. This is because parents fail to inculcate the values of the school in children in order
to help them live a satisfactory life. The child may resort to practice that goes contrary to
the virtues of the school.
For the teachers, Kwaku Annah (1995) made some contributions to the causes and effects
of absenteeism in pupil’s education. He observed that, pupils absent themselves in school
only when they are not motivated. He cited that parents and guardians as well as teachers
should motivate pupils both physically and emotionally if possible so as to enable them
develop interest in attending school regularly.
In addition, he noted that teacher absenteeism also promotes pupils absenteeism and for that
matter teachers in schools should desist from absenting themselves from class, so as to solve
the problem of absenteeism and rather serve as role models for pupil to emulate, he lamented
that most teachers in our schools in this country report to school late or even absent
themselves from school without any tangible reason. That is, if pupils who are yet to come
to the realization of the importance of education, come to the school regularly only to find
8
out that their teachers come to school late, pupils could absent themselves from school as
they see and copy this bad habit of their teachers which will go rather to increase the problem
of absenteeism that will impede progress in education.
Another cause of pupil’s absenteeism is health. He stated that health is one of the major
causes of the problem of absenteeism. He had it that some pupils may absent themselves
from school for no other reason than health related issues such as malaria. As he has
identified health as a problem, he suggested that health education in our various Ghanaian
schools should be encouraged, so to enable pupils practice good health habits. He concludes
by saying that parents and guardians should take the education of their wards as priority to
cut down the illiteracy rate in the country.
Finally Dosoo (1998) contributed to the problem of pupil’s absenteeism maintained that
children perform better when parents show interest in their education. She asserts that pupils
absenteeism mainly come about when parents neglect their responsibilities. She claims that
if a child realizes that his or her parents do not show any interest on him/her education, the
interest of child education will be affected. This trend goes a long way to make children not
regular in school.
2.5 Effects of absenteeism in schools
Research finding shows that, absenteeism of pupils to school has so many devastating
effects on them include the following:
First and foremost, pupil’s absenteeism to school has led to their poor academic
performance and low achievement in other subjects. Gyekye (2003) in his book also says
pupil’s absenteeism to school has serious effects on their cumulative records and attendance.
This is because pupils who come to school late and sometimes absent themselves from
9
classroom do not do regular exercises. These children lateness to school automatically affect
their academic performance for instance if they are tested on what was taught in their
absence, they are bound to fail.
According to Delake J.T (2006), Pupils absenteeism results in future unemployment. Pupils
will not be able to acquire the best of teaching if they practice absenteeism and will therefore
lack the required requisite knowledge or qualification needed for future employment in the
system.
According to Helley and Micheal Dikot (1972), pupils’ absenteeism brings about the
occurrence of deviant acts in our society. Pupils who practice the behavior have the greatest
tendency of including themselves in many social vices such as prostitution, smoking,
robbery etc. They also stated that pupils’ absenteeism may result in parent-child conflict.
This is where parents will see their wards as complete deviants and will have to treat them
badly. When that happens, the children will see their parents to be their enemies which result
in misunderstanding between them.
Siayiri Charlotte (2005) explains that pupil’s absenteeism result in mass illiteracy in the
country. According to her, if pupils become victims of the phenomenon, there is the
likelyhood that they will stop schooling along the line and become school dropouts and
many will not be able to read and write.
2.6 Possible Interventions to Absenteeism
According to Delaka J.T (2006) teachers who practice absenteeism for pupils to emulate
should be advised by school heads and circuit supervisors to live up to expectation. She also
10
explained that teachers should be in a position to vary their teaching methods and techniques
to promote pupils interest.
In the opinion of Macharia and Wario (1979) keeping of records of daily attendance of
pupils is one of the intervention activities that help to solve the problem of pupils’
absenteeism. They assert that the keeping of records of the daily attendance of pupils in
every school is one of the regulations laid down by the ministries of education in countries
where education is compulsory. An attendance register helps the class teacher or the head
teacher to trace to the attendance records of each child. School authorities can obtain
information which they need to assist in solving the child attendance register. The head
teacher can know which parent he/she would talk to concerning the poor attendance of any
particular pupil. The suggestion made by these scholars should be taken seriously by the
teacher to help solve the problem of pupils’ absenteeism.
Also, Dosoo (1998) said that parents and guardians should have interest in their children
education by visiting the school in order to know their children performance as well as
attending parents teacher association meeting (P.T.A) to be aware of their wards attitudes.
Dondieu (2003) advocates that transport arrangements should be made to take pupils to and
from school, it can help address the problem of absenteeism of pupils to school. Also he
spell out that when girls are not overburdened with household chores they will have enough
time to attend school and also to study after school.
Lastly, Gyekye Kwame (2003) spells out that when parents make constant effort to instill
in children the values of society, it can help address the negative attitudes in children. Hence
when parents instruct children to leave for school and even do follow ups, absenteeism of
children will be a thing of the past.
11
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
This chapter describes the procedures employed in obtaining data for the study. The chapter
therefore entails the research design, the research instruments, the data collection
procedures and analysis of the data collected.
12
3.2 Research Design
There are many research designs such as the survey, pure research and action research,
among others. However, this study was conducted using the action research design.
The action research design was considered because it aims at solving problem that emerges
from particular situations.
Also, the focus of the design is to find solutions to Absenteeism in order to bring about a
positive change.
Moreover, action research improves the professional status of research and promotes their
personal development and professional practices. The action research design has some
strengths and weaknesses.
The strengths of this design are stated below;
Action research helps the teacher to be familiar with what actually goes on in teaching and
learning situations.
Secondly, it helps the teacher to evaluate his / her teaching effectiveness by equipping him
/ her with various methods or approaches that best suit the pupils.
Moreover, findings from this design provides opportunity for teachers to acquire a better
understanding of all aspects of their own practice, be it relation to the subject, content and
curriculum or the methods appropriate to the pupils in class.
3.3 Population and sample selection
The participants in this study are entire students of Kaladan E/P Junior High School basic
seven (7). However, due to the restriction of factors such as time and resources, the
researcher grouped those who come to school regularly and those absent themselves from
school.
13
The researcher then selected pupils who absent themselves from school quiet often. The
researcher sampled pupils in order to conduct this study. This was to ensure that he/she
worked within his or her limited time and resource and also gather valid and accurate
information of the study.
3.4 Research instruments
The researcher used three research tools in collecting data on the problem under this study.
These tools are discussed as follows:
3.5 Observation
The observation method of collecting data employs vision as its main means of data
collection. The strength of this instrument is that; it requires less complicated and less time
consuming procedures in administering. It offers data when respondents are unable and
unwilling to offer information and it is relatively inexpensive.
However, this tool cannot opinion our attitudes directly, it cannot provide information about
past, further or unpredictable events cannot be used when large groups are studied.
The observation was used to identify the problem and was used to bring to light the actions
and attitudes of pupils under the study. The researcher observes that during lessons, some
particular group of students are often absent. When the researcher cross check the class
attendance register, it confirmed that these group of students are perpetual absentees. As a
result of this behavior, these students also perform poorly in class. This negative impact as
a result of absenteeism has prompted the researcher to undertake this study.
3.6 Interview
This tool requires a face to face encounter of the interviewer and the interviewee. The
strength of this tool is that:
14
It is flexible and can be adjusted to many diverse situations. The administration of interview
is easy since it does not require respondents to read and offer an opportunity for the
interviewer to observe non-verbal behaviour of the interviewee.
On the other hand, the limitation of interview is that, it is mostly costly and time consuming.
It is also more inconvenient than other methods such as questionnaire and it is also less
effective than other methods when sensitive issues are discussed. The researcher organized
an unstructured interview on pupils, parents and teachers in order to elicit responses from
them so as to identify the cause of pupils' absenteeism to school with particular reference to
pupils of Kaladan E/P JHS 1.
3.7 Questionnaires
Questionnaire consists of a list of questions or statements relating to the aims of the study.
Questionnaires can be completed at the respondents’ convenience. It provides a wider
coverage of respondents than the other tools and ensures uniformity in question.
On the contrary, this tool is limited to literate population since it cannot be administered on
those who cannot read or write. It lacks the opportunity to collect additional information
from respondents and it does not offer opportunity for motivating the respondents to
participate in the survey. The questionnaires for this research were therefore prepared for
pupils, parents and teachers.
3.8 Intervention process
It is a set of strategies that the researcher planned and implemented to solve the problem. It
involves a step by step procedure which was constantly monitored over a certain period of
time and through usage of a variety of mechanisms. The process includes pre-intervention
stage, intervention stage and post intervention stage.
15
3.Pre-intervention stage
The researcher identified absenteeism in Kaladan E/P Junior High School when he arrived
at the school to fulfill the obligation of Supported Teaching in Schools. It was identified
through observation that most pupils were always absent from school. Also a test conducted
revealed that pupils who absent themselves from school failed to understand what was
taught when they were absent. The table below shows an intervention plan that the
researcher came out with.
Table 1: An Intervention Plan
Week /Day /Month
Activities
Remarks
1
Observation
The observation that was made revealed that pupils who
perform poorly in class were mostly those who absent
themselves from school.
Pupils, parents as well as teachers were interviewed to
2
Interviews
solve the problem.
16
Pupils, parents as well as teachers were made to complete
questionnaires that helps the researcher to identify some
3
Questionnaires
factors as the main problem of absenteeism.
3.9 Intervention stage
After diagnosing the problem, the researcher advanced some intervention measures to solve
the problem. These intervention measures included the organization of parent-teachers
meeting, inspection of pupils’ attendance registers, checking of pupils’ performance through
exercise, follow-up and motivation.
Pupils, parents as well as their class teachers were interviewed and were also made to
complete questionnaires. The researcher identified some factors as the main problem of
absenteeism to the school. The researcher therefore advanced some recommendation to
pupil’s behavior in order to effect a positive change in their behavior towards attendance to
school.
3.10 Post- intervention stage
After parents adhered to the recommendations by the researcher, the researcher also
counselled pupils and made a close monitoring of their behaviors. The observation after the
intervention revealed that pupils were now very punctual to school. This new attitude of
pupils improved their performance in class.
3.11 Data Analysis Plan
The data was analyzed using tables, simple frequencies and percentages. This is to be
captured in chapter four.
17
CHAPTER FOUR
RESULTS, FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS
4.1 Introduction
This chapter deals with the results/findings and discussions based on the outcome of the
research instruments employed in the conduct of the study.
4.2 Presentation and Analysis of Data
The information gathered from the observation conducted brought to light that the
subject for the study (Basic seven (7) pupils in Kaladan E/P Junior High school) were always
absent from school. Also the researcher conducted interviews with pupils, their parents and
teachers in order to gather information about the reason of absenteeism of pupils to school.
Additional questionnaires were completed by teachers and parents to determine the effects
of absenteeism on the academic performance of pupils.
18
The study sought to gather data on the cause of absenteeism by pupils and the results
are presented in Table 2.
Table 2: Causes of pupil’s absenteeism
Cause
Frequency
percentage
Child labour
38
76
Peer group pressure
50
100
Health related
40
92
Inadequate motivation
46
100
Total
50
100
From Table 2 above, it is observed that peer group influence scored the highest
frequency on the graph which is 50 responses for “yes” and O scored for “No” from the
teachers.
Again, 46 was the second highest frequency on the graph against 4 responses for
“No”.
It was therefore agreed that most of the victims were always influenced by their peers. 46
respondents were of the view that inadequate motivation also causes absenteeism and 4
responses disagreed to the fact. 38 respondents revealed that the pupils’ absenteeism to
school was caused by child labour while 12 respondents disagreed to that assertion.
From the above analysis, the causes of pupil’s absenteeism are largely due to peer
group influence, than health related problems, inadequate motivation and child labour. The
results are further displayed in the bar graph below labeled as figure 1.
19
A bar graph representing the causes of pupil’s absenteeism
Fig. 1
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Child labour
KEY
Peer group influence
Health related
problems
Child labour
Inadequate
motivation
Peer group influence
Inadequate motivation
Health related problems
In view of the above bar graph, 38 respondents agreed that child labour is a cause of
pupil’s absenteeism from school and 12 respondents said no to the question. 46 of them
agreed that inadequate motivation is also a cause of pupil’s absenteeism from school. All
the respondents agreed to the fact that peer group influence is a cause of pupils’ absenteeism
from school.
Also, 40 of them agreed that health related problems also result in absenteeism in
school.
20
The researcher through face to face interview with twenty –five parents and twenty five
teachers also gathered information on the effects of absenteeism on pupils. The results are
presented in Table 3.
Table 3: Effects of absenteeism on pupils
Effects
Frequency
Percentage
Poor academic performance
45
90
Child crime delinquency
35
70
Wastage of instructional time
40
80
Total
50
100
From the table above in relation to the interview conducted, 45 (90%) mentioned
that pupils academic performance can be low as a result of their absenteeism from school.
40 (80%) agreed that instructional time will be wastage as a result of pupils’ absenteeism
from school while 35 (70%) people agreed that students may commit crime if they do not
regularly attend school. Based on the results from the table, it is quite clear that low
academic performance has high negative impact on pupils as a result of absenteeism.
The results are further displayed in the pie-chart below, labeled as figure 2.
90
Poor academic performance = 240 x 3600 = 1350
Child crime delinquency =
Wastage of instruction time =
70
240
× 3600 = 1050
80
240
× 3600 = 1200
Pie Chart showing the effects of pupils in school
Fig. 2
21
Child crime
delinquency 105
29%
Poor academic
performance
38%
Wastage of
instructional time
120
33%
KEY
Poor academic performance
Child crime delinquency
Wastage of instructional time
In view of fig. 2 above, 135 is the highest degree which shows that, poor academic
performance has high impact on pupils as a result of absenteeism than any other effect. This
is followed by wastage of instructional time represented as 120. Finally it promotes child
crime delinquency represented as 105.
22
4.3 Strategies to solve Absenteeism
The researcher after finding out effects of absenteeism, decided to find out strategies to
solve the problem of absenteeism. He involved the teachers, some parents and also some of
the students. The results were then tabulated as shown below:
Table 4
Strategies to solve absenteeism on pupils
Strategies
Frequency
Percentage
Constant marking of register
15
30
Love from teachers and parents
10
20
Providing comfortable transportation
15
30
Teaching of moral subjects(RME) constantly 10
20
Total
100
50
From the table above 15 respondents supported constant marking of register which was 30%
of total frequency. 15 respondents said providing comfortable transportation can solve
23
absenteeism which is 30% as shown from the table. Finally, 10 said teaching of moral
subjects (RME) constantly can curb the problem of absenteeism which is 20%. The
researcher finally concluded that when all these strategies are put together simultaneously,
it will curb the problem of absenteeism.
The results are further displayed in the line graph below, labeled as figure 3.
A line graph representing strategies to solve absenteeism in schools
Fig. 3
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
Constant marking of Love from teachers
register
and parents
Providing
comfortable
transportation
KEY
Constant marking of register
24
Teaching of moral
subjects constantly
Love from teachers and parents
Providing comfortable transportation
Teaching of moral subjects (RME) constantly
In view of the line graph above, respondents supported constant marking of register
can solve the problem of absenteeism, 10 respondents supported love from teachers can
solve it better.
Also, 15 respondents said providing comfortable transportation can solve
absenteeism. And finally 10 respondents said teaching of moral subjects (RME) constantly
can curb the problem of absenteeism.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter deals with the summary, conclusions and recommendations of the study.
5.2 Summary
This study was guided by the hypothesis that pupils absenteeism contributed to low
achievement in education. Its practice does not improve pupil’s performance as far as
education is concerned.
Most schools today have varying degrees of children whose rate of absenteeism is
significant enough to have a measurable effect on their learning achievements. The reason
for children’s absenteeism is many and usually taken in various forms.
25
Most stakeholders of education and local authorities have made arrangements to keep such
children in touch with education. This study also look at children whose attendance records
were scanty and revealed long absence from school. It can largely be felt that absenteeism
has contributed negatively to pupil’s interest and performance in education. So this study
makes a modest contribution in order to complement the diverse effort made to improve
upon pupil’s low achievement in education by other known measures.
To investigate absenteeism, the study went through certain interventional activities in order
to bring about some solution to the problem. These interventional activities are organization
of parent-teachers meeting, inspection of pupils’ attendance registers, checking of pupils’
performance through exercise, follow-up and motivation.
1. The study revealed that the causes of pupils’ absenteeism are: child labour, illness,
parental negligence, class teacher absenteeism, peer group influence and inadequate
motivation. The effect is; low achievement in education, reducing pupils interest in
education and poor performance.
2. The study also revealed that checking pupil’s attendance is part of the teacher’s
classroom management duties. One of the teacher’s duties is to keep an eye on each
child’s attendance and to refer appropriate authorities any worrying cases.
Finally, the study renewed the contributions made by various scholars of educations on the
issue of absenteeism. Most of these scholars maintained that the cause of pupil’s
absenteeism stem from issues ranging from illness, parental neglect, child labour and
inadequate motivation, among others.
26
5.3 Conclusions
The researcher identified this problem at his school of attachment and uses the following
strategies to arrive at a final solution. These strategies included the identification of the
problem, finding the causes of the problem and effects of the problem on the pupils under
study.
The research instruments used were questionnaires, interviews, test and observation. The
problem the researcher observes is that pupils' attendance to school in their register revealed
that some pupils are not regular to school.
The researcher addressed the problem by finding out the causes and effect of the problem
and made some possible recommendations to help address the issue as it affected the pupils
concerned.
5.4 Recommendations
It is a fact that society is dynamic. Things keep on changing day in and day out, and the fact
that this study will be expected to face future challenges; the researcher provides the
following recommendations:
i.
Apart from the interventions activities used by the researcher in the study,
symposia should be intensively educate to pupils, parents and guardians on the
consequences of absenteeism and its effects on the rate of pupils achievement in
education.
ii.
Future researchers could organize public campaigns to sensitize parents and
guardians on the need for pupils’ regular school attendance.
27
iii.
Also, the researcher recommends the need for head teachers to organize parentsteachers meetings to educate parents and guardians about the effects of
absenteeism on their wards, so that they (parents and guardians) will desist from
acts that can cause pupils absenteeism.
iv.
Then also, the school authorities must be noted that an unexplained
v.
absence from school that goes on long than or three days should be investigated
immediately for redress.
REFERENCES
Collins C. (2004). Advanced Learners English Dictionary. Germany: let sprache
publishing Ltd.
Douglas P. (1964). The class Gender and Racial Differentiation, Eric Hole
Department of Education, University of Manchesta, London.
Ebell K. (1962). Introduction to Teaching as a profession. London: Longman group L.td
Farant J.s (1980). Principles and practice of Education. London: Longman group
Ltd
Gerail H. (1990). Managing classroom problems in the primary school. London: Paul
chapman Ltd.
28
Gykye K. (2003). African Cultural Values. Accra, Ghana: Sankofa Publishing Ltd.
Margaret G. (1978). School Methods with Young children. London: Evans Brothers Limited.
Macharria and wario, L.H. (1979). Teaching practice in primary School. London:
Macmillan Publishers Limited.
Norval G. (1988). Psychology study. London: Evans Brothers Limited.
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/absenteeism.asp
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A:
Questionnaire for parents on causes and effect of Absenteeism from school of Kaladan E/P
Junior High School 1. Any information obtained will be kept secret and confidential. Tick
like this ( ) where appropriate and responses in the spaces provided.
1. (i) Are you aware of your ward’s absenteeism behavior?
(a) Yes { }
(b) No { }
(ii) If yes, state the measures you have taken to curb the situation.
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
29
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………
2. (i) Have you been engaging your child during school hours?
(a) Yes { }
(b) No { }
(ii) If yes then state what you engage him/her during school hours
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………
3. (i) Does your ward have any illness that prevents him / her from attending school
regularly (a) Yes { } (b) No { }
(ii) If yes, what illness?
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………
4. (i) Do you encourage your wards to attend school all time?
(a) Yes { }
(b) No { }
(ii) If yes, what types of encouragement do you give him/her?
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
30
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………
5. (i) Are there any marital problems you encounter that impede your ward’s regular
attendance to school?
(a) Yes { }
(b) No { }
If yes state the problem.
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………
APPENDIX B:
Questionnaire for pupils on causes and effects of Absenteeism from school of Kaladan E/P
Junior High School 1. Any information obtained will be kept secret and confidential. Tick
like this ( ) where appropriate and responses in the spaces provided.
1. (i) Do you absent yourself from school every day?
(a) yes { } (b) no {}
If yes, give reason
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
31
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………
2. (i) Do you roam with colleagues when you are absent from school?
(a) Yes {} (b) No {}
3. Do you have any reason about your teacher that prevents you from going regularly?
(a) yes {} (b) no {}
(ii) If yes, state it
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………
4. (i) Do you have any illness that prevent you from attending school regularly?
(a) Yes {}
(b) no {}
(ii) If yes, what is the nature of illness?
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………
5. (i) Do you want to continue your education?
(a) Yes { }
(b) no {}
32
(ii) If no why so?
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………
6. (i) Do you pay school fees on your own?
(a) Yes {}
(b) no {}
(ii) If yes, why so?
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………
7. Are you staying with both parents?
(a) Yes {}
(b) no {}
8. Do your parents engage you during school hours?
(a) Yes {} (b) no {}
(ii) If yes what have you been doing?
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………
33
………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………..………………
…………………………………………………………………………
9. Is your house far away from school?
(a) Yes {} (b) no {}
34