Averting learner absenteeism in Zambian urban and rural primary schools: a case of Kalingalinga and Simweendengwe primary schools.
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Date
2021-06-14
Authors
Daka, Harrison
Chilala, Michael M.
Hamatanga, Olen H
Chirwa, Bright
Mumba, Aniah
Kaoma, Chileshe
Chikopela, Cornelius
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Lexicography and Terminology
Abstract
The study investigated the causes of learner absenteeism, the impact it has on academic
performance and ways of averting learner absenteeism. The study used a mixed design
which involved the use of questionnaires to obtain information from the teachers, and
school administrators, research interview guides for the parents and focus group
discussions for the learners from Kalingalinga and Simweendengwe primary schools and
their catchment area respectively. The research population was composed of one
hundred and twenty (120) respondents which included; fourty (40) education
administrators and teachers, fourty (40) parents who were randomly selected and 40
learners who were purposefully selected. The data collected through questionnaires was
analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences and the focus group discussions
data was analysed thematically. The findings established that the leading cause to learner
absenteeism were home related factors. The study further established that the
performance of learners who consistently abscond from school in academic terms was
average and in extreme cases bad. The findings also established that Pupil, Parent
Teacher engagement is the best methods to use if absenteeism is to be addressed. From
the findings, it was established that good policy support would enhance efficiency if
learner absenteeism was to be addressed by teachers and educational administrators.
Description
The findings established that the leading cause to learner absenteeism were home related factors. The study further established that the performance of learners who consistently abscond from school in academic terms was average and in extreme cases bad. The findings also established that Pupil, Parent Teacher engagement is the best methods to use if absenteeism is to be addressed. From the findings, it was established that good policy support would enhance efficiency if learner absenteeism was to be addressed by teachers and educational administrators.
Keywords
Absenteeism, academic performance, Primary schools
Citation
Daka, H., Chilala, M. M., Hamatanga, O. H., Chirwa, B., Mumba, A., Kaoma, C. and Chikopela, C. (2021). Averting Learner Absenteeism in Zambian Urban and Rural Primary Schools. A Case of Kalingalinga and Simweendengwe Primary Schools. Journal of Lexicography and Terminology, 5 (1), 33 – 55.