Truancy, the Act of Students Being Absent from School without Legitimate Reasons: A Case of Wesley College Demonstration ‘B’ Junior High School

Abstract

Truancy, the act of students being absent from school without legitimate reasons, has been a persistent concern in the realm of education, posing challenges to students, teachers, and educational institutions alike. This action research study aimed to investigate the effects of students' truancy on academic performance in a secondary school setting. The primary objective was to explore the relationship between students' absenteeism and their academic achievement across various subjects. Over a three-week period, data was collected from a sample of 15 students from different grade levels. Quantitative data was gathered through attendance records and academic performance data, while qualitative data was obtained through questionnaires and tests with teachers, students, and school administrators. The data was analysed to identify patterns and correlations between truancy and academic performance.

The findings revealed a significant negative correlation between students' truancy and their academic achievement. Students with high levels of absenteeism exhibited lower grades and decreased academic performance across subjects. Questionnaire responses from teachers and students provided insights into the impact of truant behaviour on classroom engagement, missed learning opportunities, and reduced motivation to excel academically.                                                                                                                                                                                          The implications of this study underscore the need for proactive interventions to address truancy and its detrimental effects on academic success. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of using technology for efficient attendance monitoring and early intervention. While this study provides valuable insights, further research is warranted to explore the longitudinal effects of truancy on academic achievement and to assess the effectiveness of various truancy prevention programmes. A holistic approach that involves collaboration among stakeholders is crucial to fostering a positive learning environment that nurtures student attendance and academic success.