EXPLORING THE FACTORS INFLUENCING STUDENT ABSENTEEISM IN

ATHS

Presented to the Faculty of the Senior High School Department

GONDAYA, SHEENA T.

FABIAN, LOVELY QUEEN P.

AUG 2024
 CHAPTER 1
PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

Introduction

School absenteeism is an increasingly serious and persistent issue in secondary education

particularly on lower sections. A notable concern in public schools is the higher rate of absences

among students in lower sections compared to those in higher sections. Students in higher

sections tend to be more grade-conscious and consistent in attending classes, unlike their

counterparts in lower sections, who are more prone to frequent absences. The lack of interest and

motivation among learners, along with a diminished commitment from parents to ensure their

children attend school, are key factors contributing to this problem. If the students are turning

their back on the education they are provided , it means that we need to ask ourselves the

questions of "what is wrong in this education?" and "is something happening in our schools and

classrooms that distract students from education?" (Shute & Cooper , 2015). These include

family conflicts, health emergencies, financial difficulties in covering daily expenses, adverse

weather conditions, alcohol use, and lack of access to transportation (Balkis et al., 2020).

Additionally, Demir and Akman-Karabeyoglu (2015) identified other reasons for student

absenteeism, such as low expectations for certain subjects, feelings of boredom, and a perceived

misalignment between the lessons and their interests.

According to recent Department of Education figures, the rate of absence is 4.5% among

total Filipino students. This indicates that 10% of school-age children are found to be

"persistently absent". According to the latest PISA results, the Philippines exhibits the highest

rate of long-term student absenteeism among all participating countries which is identified as a

key factor contributing to the country's stagnant performance in the international assessment.

Based on the findings of PISA (2022), almost thirty percent of Filipino pupils reported missing at
least one period of school lasting longer than three months. This implies that at some point

during their academic career, about one-third of Filipino students aged 15 missed almost half of

the academic year.

atement of the Problem

This study aims to explore the factors influencing student absenteeism in ATHS. Specifically,

this study seeks to answer the following research questions:

1. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of:

a. Age

b. Sex

2. What are the common causes done by students in terms of:

a. Self Inquiry

b. Family Problem

c. Transportation accessibility

d. Socio-economic

3. Is there a significant difference on the perceived factors of absenteeism when the data is

grouped according to profile?

4. What is the main factor of student absenteeism in Aloran Trade High School?

Hypothesis: There is no significant difference between the respondents perceived factors of

absenteeism and their demographic profile.

1.4 Theoretical Framework

Socio-economic factor is one of the few factors attributed with absenteeism. Students

coming from low income families strive to go to school on a daily basis. Expenses from
transportation to moneyary allowance to school related expenses are mostly the common

problem.

According to the Bioecological model of Bronfrenbrenner (1993) the developmental outcomes of

children are determined by the interactions they made on their environment. Other theoretical

perspectives suggest that family income status can impact absenteeism through several

mechanisms, including developmental challenges, health issues, neighborhood conditions, family

conflict, and parenting practices. Inadequate financial resources can lead to poor health and well-

being outcomes, which may negatively affect children's school attendance.

According to Eneza Education LTD. (2013), absenteeism in educational settings is the habit of

often missing class without a good excuse. Students who skip school score worse academically,

as it is a sort of deviant behavior. Students who miss school struggle more to succeed

academically because they miss out on learning chances. Over time, this can lead to lower

grades, a decreased understanding of the curriculum, and a higher likelihood of disengagement

from the educational process altogether. On the other hand, academic performance according to

Narad and Abdullah (2016) is the combination of knowledge that students acquire in school that

is measured by the teachers through a set of educational objectives to be fulfilled over a period,

either short or long term.

Article 220 of the Family Code highlights the importance of family in shaping children's

behavior and academic performance. Family issues, such as broken homes, can contribute to

absenteeism and poor scholastic achievement. Studies have shown that students facing family

challenges are more likely to miss school and struggle academically. It is crucial for parents to

create a positive and stable environment for their children to thrive in their education.
The pursuit of self-inquiry, driven by a profound desire to alleviate suffering, offers valuable

insights into human behavior, including the complex factors influencing school attendance. This

paper explores how a student's perception of their school environment, coupled with the

challenges of transportation access, and family dilemma can significantly impact their attendance

patterns. Students who view school as a safe haven, a place of refuge and support, are more

likely to attend [Link] to Sharmin (2016), claim that students absenteeism was a

major concern in higher education globally. These students may turn to absence as a means of

escaping the discomfort and distress associated with their school environment, driven by a sense

of dread and avoidance.

1.5 Conceptual Framework

Based on the theories postulated, this study follows the concept outlined by the

researchers which will save as a guide in the conduct of the study. This study tries to explore the

factors influencing student absenteeism in Aths. The interplay of the variables used in this study

is shown in the schematic diagram in figure 1.

Figure 1: Schematic Diagram of the Study

Significance of the Study

The findings of this study will benefit various groups, including:

Students. Understanding the impact of absenteeism will help the students recognize the

negative effects it can have on their academic performance. This study will serve as an eye

opener for students for them to be able to reflect and possibly contribute to reducing the

absenteeism rate.
Teachers. This study will help teachers to be able to identify various motivational techniques

and strategies to help influence students to reduce or eliminate absenteeism.

School Principal. Understanding the impact of student absenteeism primarily affects the school

administration. This study will raise awareness on the different issues that lead to student

absenteeism. With this knowledge they can work with school educators to develop programs that

motivate students to attend school and cultivate a passion for learning.

Dep-Ed. The Department of Education is the department concerned with students from

elementary to secondary. It aims on producing productive citizens and absenteeism senteeism is

one of the factors that disrupts this goal thus this study may help to develop a step-by-step plan

to address the issue of absenteeism.

Scope and Delimitation

The study focuses mainly on the factors influencing student absenteeism in Aloran Trade

High School. It will also determine the main factor on student absenteeism. The respondents of

this study will be purposely selected Grade 9- Emerald students of Aloran Trade High School.

The demographic profile needed for this study are age, and sex. In order to ascertain the

respondents' responses, the primary factors impacting students' absences will be listed.

Definition of Terms

Absenteeism- refers to a student's regular absence from class without a good explanation. It

includes both excused and unexcused absences. While some absences are unavoidable on

occasion, chronic absenteeism can be harmful to a student's growth as a social worker, academic

success, and general well-being.

17.

Students Learning Outcomes-Chronic absenteeism, in particular, has a negative effect on

pupils' learning outcomes in terms of both academic performance and socioemotion. This

influence can build over the course of a student's academic career rather than being confined to a

single year.

Influencing- Refers to the variables that exert an effect on an individual's decision or propensity

to be absent from school.

Explore- To conduct a comprehensive and in-depth investigation into the factors that contribute

to absenteeism.

Factors- Are the various elements that contribute to an individual's decision to be absent from

work or school.