Influencing factors on lecture attendance at a tertiary institution

Abstract

The tendency towards decreasing class attendance by students is a concern for many tertiary institutions. Various factors contribute to the motivation of students, which in turn directly or indirectly influence them to attend lectures. The aim of the study is mainly to investigate which factors are related to the problem of low lecture attendance, and to determine the relation between lecture attendance and online support for students, gender, age, year level groups and faculty groups. A non-probability sample was drawn at the largest residential university in South Africa. Some of the findings showed differences between female and male lecture attendance, lecture/r quality as well as reasons for attending classes. It was also observed that there is a positive association between lecturer evaluation and lecture attendance by students. The results provide insight into a better understanding about class attendance and may enhance interaction between students and lecturers.