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3. Entertainment and vices: Vices and other forms of entertainment are commonly found in
rural areas. These include gambling, videoke and access to the internet commonly known as peso
net or hulog-hulog. Although there are legislations limiting them, but these are not strictly
implemented in some communities.
4. Family issues: The family also contributes to absenteeism. Excuses of absentees include
having to take care of younger siblings while the parents have to do some important errands.
5. Economic difficulties: This is the highest cause of absenteeism in rural areas which have
seasonal economic activities such as rice farms, corn farms or fishing. Pupils worked as laborers
with their income that goes either to their families or for their personal needs.
What the teachers can do to help minimize absenteeism?
Teachers are expected to discharge their functions according to the mandate, vision,
mission and objectives of the Department of Education such as the attainment of quality
education and to produce holistically developed and highly competitive graduates. But
absenteeism is taking a high toll in this. Having been absent for even a few days will make the
pupils lose interest and shied away from the school. Allowing the pupils to engage in labor works
to earn an income will motivate them to work more and study less.
When a teacher has absentee pupils, he must take the problem more seriously. It is
sometimes a pity if teachers would just contend themselves to teach pupils who are always
mindful to the lessons and disregard those who are not interested or always absent from the class.
If a teacher believes that teaching is a noble profession and can mold pupils to become effective
leaders in the future, then he must take that extra mile of helping those pupils in need.
Taking time to talk to the parents to identify the root cause of the problem will not be too
much heavy for a teacher. Using anecdotal records and other tools will help him make a
management plan to minimize absenteeism. How about an action research on absenteeism?
Although there are already many research works about the subject, but a particular pupil in a
particular area could surely bring unique information that might prove useful.
How about adopting a child in need? Other teachers are bringing some children to their
homes, feed and took care of them. Letting these children feel that they belong to a family will
give them the confidence and esteem that were lost at abusive homes.
There are no perfect solutions to minimize absenteeism. A search in the internet could
produce many interventions and useful information. But I believe the best way to approach the
problem is from a personal perspective using personal sacrifices. If a teacher does not believe
that pupils have to be given extra care and attention, then the effort will just be fruitless. By
digging deeper, by exhausting extra efforts, by letting the pupils feel that they are important to
the eyes of the teacher and the community, one can find a compromise that might minimize if not
totally stop absenteeism. After all, each pupil has his own dreams and ambitions, and the teacher
can make a difference in firing them to realities.