CHAPTER I

A. Problem and Background Student absenteeism is a serious issue at Saint Marys University . Concerted efforts have been expended aimed at engaging students and promoting active learning, but schools are still full of clock-watchers Many college students regularly skip classes and, according to some inside reports, the hallways are virtually empty especially on Friday afternoons. B. Statement of the Problem Student absenteeism has become a major concern of educators, parents, and communities. Student absenteeism in education is a matter of concern because it can result in inadequate learning on the part of the student and there is often a clear correlation between student attendance and overall performance. C. Significance of the Study The aim of the study was to investigate the extent of student absenteeism in selected students of Saint Marys University. The researchers explore the reasons why student absent themselves from classes and examine the implications of student absenteeism. D. Scope and Delimitation Out of thousands of students of Saint Marys University, 100 students were used as a sample in conducting the survey. This study limits its coverage on the Saint Marys University students only. . Its main purpose is to identify the common problems that they encounter and to propose possible solutions regarding this problems. This study considers every aspect of students personal information that has an impact on their academic performances such as their parents educational background, their parents income, their gender, age and home location. Each of the respondents are given same questionnaires to answer. And this study focuses on the current students of the present school year, 2011-2012.

CHAPTER II

Research Method The study employed both qualitative and quantitative methodologies (mixed methodology). A quantitative approach was adopted in order to allow the researcher to gather more precise and quantifiable information on the causes and effects of absenteeism. The qualitative methodology was also appropriate to this study because it allowed the researchers to get the data directly from the subjects themselves by sitting with the respondents and hear their views, voices and perceptions. A personal data was attached to the questionnaire which was used by the Researcher to gather information on the students name, age, and gender.

Research Respondent The study was conducted at Saint Marys University of Bayombong which is a Catholic Institution of learning. In envision the formation of a competent, creative, committed and Christian community.

Research Tools The study used the questionnaire as its instruments in gathering the data to the questionnaire was prepared by the Researcher. It is designed to gather the general profile of the respondents which included the name, age, gender. It is also consisted of five arranged questions which are used to achieved the perceptions of the students; on what product did they want to produce.

CHAPTER IV

Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of Data The researchers find out that the reasons of the students at Saint Marys University abseentism are the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Lack of Subject Interest Lack of Personal Interest in studies. The mental capacity of a students does not matches with the course opted. Too much pamperness from family. The poor teaching skills of a teacher also keep away student from the school. Lack of confidence. Most of the students are doing private coaching s for their entrance examinations such as medical engineering or are preparing for their board exams through private tuition causes absenteeism in school & college. 8. Too much socialization causes absenteeism. It mostly happens during teen age and college when the students form a group to freak out. 9. If school or college is far off the percentage of absenteeism may increase. 10. Preparation for the participation in TV shows in dance musical or acting,G.K. contest programs also increase the percentage of absenteeism. 888888888888888888888888888

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation Summary The table shows some reason why students committing or occurring absences. The 45 respondents ranked the reasons according to their choices whether it is always, sometimes or never. Column 1 shows the reasons why they are always absent in class. According to the some of the respondents playing or surfing in the computer (8 or 18%) has the highest reason why they are absent in class followed by waking up late (7 or 16%), the subject is boring & influence of their barkadas or friends (5 or 11%), commuting and no money (4 or 9%), drug addiction, because of the teachers, drinking liquor, no vehicles and no uniform to wear (3 or 7%) and the last reason why they are always absent in class is because of their girlfriends or boyfriends, playing billiards, smoking and school violations done (2 or 4%). In column 2, some of the respondents say that sometimes their reason why they dont want to enter the class is because their subject is boring (26 or 58%), second reason is they dont want their teacher (25 or 56%) followed by waking up late (24 or 53%), drinking liquor & influence of their barkadas or friends (21 or 47%), commuting (20 or 44%), playing or surfing in the computer (18 or 40%), because of their girlfriend or boyfriend & because they are smoking (13 or 29 %), playing billiards and no uniforms to wear(11 or 21%), no vehicles and school violations done (10 or 22%), no money or allowance(9 or 20%) and the lowest rank is the drug addiction (1 or 2%). In the last column, the drug addiction (41 or 91%) has the highest reason why they are not committing absences, followed by school violations done (33 or 73%), playing or surfing in the computer (32 or 71%), no uniform to wear (31 or 69 %), because of their girlfriends or boyfriends & they are smoking (30 or 67%), drinking alcohol or liquor & commuting (21 or 47%), influence of barkada or friends & playing or surfing in the computer (19 or 42%), you dont want your teacher (17 or 38%), the subject is boring and waking up late (14 or 31%). In over all, 8 or 18% of the respondents say that playing or surfing in the computer is always the reason why they are committing absences. 26 or 58% also say that sometimes they are committing absences is because their subject is boring, and 41 or 91% of them ranked that the drug addiction is not their reason why they are absent in class.

Conclusion This study has shown that the problem of absenteeism is quite prevalent in Saint Marys university higher education landscape. The problem is precipitated by interplay of a multiplicity of factors which are both internal and external to the student and or the university. Key among the factors that give rise to absenteeism are poor teaching strategies by lecturers, unfavourable learning environments, poor socio-economic background, peer influence as well as unconducive interpersonal relations between students and lecturers. The problem of student absenteeism is gaining much attention from educators, researchers and policy makers as it is not just an educational problem but also a social and political issue with huge social costs. Therefore, this study advocates that in order to address the problem in any meaningful way, efforts should be directed.not only at the student or university but at thebroader socio-economic and political environments in which universities are located Recommendation The University Teaching and Learning Centers should identify training needs and organize symposiums, workshops, conferences and staff development programmes for lecturers so as to enhance their skills and performance levels. Lecturers should try to respond to the problem of student absenteeism by exploring creative techniques to increase class attendance. Obviously one way of operationalising this ideal is through the use of innovative teaching methods, the use of better equipped classrooms and a change in attitude The implementation of effective and functional student orientation and student support programmes could be part of the intervention strategies that universities might need to consider among others. Students need regular guidance and counseling services as well as career support so that they may be able to cope with university life and all that goes with it. It is hoped that this support may make a difference.