Third-level attendance

Red Alert

I have to say I'm shocked by the low attendance (and punctuality) levels since I started lecturing. Apparently it's a similar rough percentage across all subjects. I got a bit of a shock, because I'd been involved in delivering practicals for a couple of years while I was a PhD student. Because they're marked, you're pretty much guaranteed a full turnout.

The only reason I'm asking is that it's VERY annoying to have to fill someone in who wanders in late, or didn't come to the previous class. Do any other third level teachers get annoyed with this?

Pure Sound

I'm not a lecturer but Im a recent graduate, some lecturers we had gave a small percentage based on attendance, usually 5 or 10%, it was surprising how many people went to them classes and not other classes. As for the late thing you could hand around a sign-in sheet and if they aren't in before it is handed back to you they are marked as absent.

delta_bravo

Are these large lectures (100+) or smaller ones? I wouldnt fill anyone in if they are late. Direct them to the readings. Theyre adults now, they make their own decisions.

DeepSleeper

No way would I fill in anyone who wanders in late! They can try to figure it out for themselves, but you can't backtrack for people who don't arrive on time...

dory

No lecturer I ever had filled in latecomers. Don't see why you should have to do that.

number10a

dory wrote: »

No lecturer I ever had filled in latecomers. Don't see why you should have to do that.

+1

Never heard of it happening. Don't do it and they might make an effort to show up.

Ostrom

Jaysus dont fill them in!

I try to weight attendance and participation as best I can with my own classes, usually around 10% if I'm delivering the course. I would never double back on material for a latecomer though, thats their problem to sort.

If all else fails, you might get them to read this ;

Kirby, Ann. 2003. 'The Effect of Attendance on Grade for First Year Economics Students in University College Cork', The Economic and Social Review, 34 (3): 311-326

Red Alert

Thanks guys - crazy all the same considering that any of them who have part time jobs would probably be in big trouble if they turned up late.