Chronic Absenteeism in Higher Education Institutions in Cameroon: The Case of the University of Buea

Abstrak

The purpose of this study was to investigate the cause of chronic absenteeism and provide possibly effective solutions and preventive measures to minimize absenteeism amongst students in the University of Buea. The relevant literature was reviewed to secure the methodology and the findings. A qualitative research design was employed using a case study approach. The study group consists of 20 Class Coordinators drawn from six establishments selected through purposeful sampling technique. Data of the study were collected by using semi-structured interview technique and focused group discussion. In this study, the researcher used thematic analysis to analyze the data generated. The findings of the study revealed four main causes of chronic absenteeism amongst students. The main themes are student, school, and teacher, socio-economic and family related factors. The study also examined and provided possibly effective solutions and preventive measures to mitigate student absenteeism. These solutions are early warnings and monitoring systems, robust attendance policy, teacher effect and student engagement and motivation. In conclusion, absenteeism has considerable unfavorable effects on students and educators alike, it is worth exploring the causes of absenteeism in order to help raise concerns for educational institutions and help them act on these factors to improve attendance rates. Based on the findings, the study recommended that teachers are encouraged to keep attendance records and send alerts to regularly absent students as well as Use positive reinforcement to improve student attendance.

Kata Kunci