An Analysis of Factors Influencing the Attendance of 1 st Year University Students Angela Joyce National University of Ireland, Galway

Literature Review Absenteeism – an international concern Studies found that the main reasons for absenteeism were: illness transport difficulties low motivation peer influence social life class timing perceived impact on exam performance difficulty of material lack of interest quality and style of teaching availability of notes

Background Focused on 1 st Year Accounting Class 2 Groups: Group A studied Accounting for Leaving Certificate, Group B did not 2 semesters, 12 weeks each Attendance is not mandatory but was recorded using attendance sheets

Methodology Questionnaire (based on Kirby & McElroy, 2003) 170 students responded: 44% of pop. Population divided into ‘good’ (75 – 100%), ‘moderate’ (51 – 74%) and ‘poor’ attendees (0- 50% attendance) Interviews held with ‘good’ & ‘poor’ attendees

Results Gender differences noted: Average female attendance: 70% Average male attendance: 59% 17 of the top attendees were female 15 of the bottom attendees were male Average attendance for class: 64%

Results ctd. Poor Attendees were affected by: Teaching style Prior knowledge Interest in the subject Availability of notes Social life Influence of Peers Interactivity during lectures

Results ctd. Moderate attendees were affected by: Availability of notes Time of class Influence of Peers

Recommendations To attract poorer attendees: Use more examples, clear explanations Regular revision and linking of material Re-think level of interactivity Attempt to change the belief that prior knowledge is enough to ‘get through’ Make web notes less comprehensive