In college, class attendance is an easy way to either boost or hurt your grade. Students should take advantage of this opportunity to help themselves long-term.
Your attendance can help your overall success in class. It is a simple way to receive a higher grade while other assignments can be more difficult. If you think of it as extra credit, you might be more motivated to go to class.
As a business student, my presence in class can significantly affect my classmates as I am involved with many group projects. You show your peers you would rather be doing other things, and lack a sense of responsibility, by not attending class.
Attendance is essential for both in-person and online classes. However, we are now in a modern era where technology allows for more flexibility. If you are absent, teachers should record the lecture or digitally provide the materials so students can learn from home.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology conducted a survey asking participants what percentage of their lectures they attended. About 67% estimated they attend at least 90% of classes, 76% attended at least 75% and 93% attended at least half. These numbers are concerning.
Class time is an exchange of service between professors and students. It is up to the professors to give students reasons to come to class. They can do this by personalising their material and teaching engaging lectures. Most college students really want to learn, but they want to do it with the professor — not the publisher of their textbooks.
To some extent, professors acknowledge that college students might have part-time jobs or other significant obligations. With the pandemic, students are more cautious to stay at home when feeling sick. Many are forgiving when students come late, which is better than not attending at all.
When you show up to class, professors appreciate your efforts as they want to feel valuable to their audiences.
Regardless, my advice to every college student is to follow the syllabus. Learn the material whether you watch the Zoom recordings or actually attend classes.
According to Suffolk University, “Requirements for attendance and class participation are established by the instructor in each course. Students are responsible for all material and information covered in classes missed. Students are expected to carefully consult individual course syllabi for course-specific attendance policies, as they may vary by class.”
The bottom line is that you pay to attend Suffolk University and study here. Why wouldn’t you want to make an effort to get a good grade and attend classes?
