Then I stop Coming to School: Understanding Absenteeism in an Adult Language Program

Abdurashytov Abdureim ELT-516
20123588 03. 12. 12


1)The article is named "Then I stop Coming to School: Understanding Absenteeism in an Adult Language Program". It was written by Susan L. Schalge and Kay Soga.
The article describes ethnographic research on attrition and assesses the contribution of anthropology to a practical understanding of this case. The article starts by reviewing the context of absenteeism and explaining research procedures. The researchers go on to present their findings chapter by chapter. Finally, they present strategies to minimize student absences.
Within the context, the researchers had the following research questions: What factors prevent learners from attending classes?; How can staff minimize student absences?
The theoretical framework is based on a cultural broker model of ethnography and Knowless (1970; 1990) adult education principles. The merit of cultural broker model lies in its historical approach in collecting and analyzing data. The research employed classroom observations, semi structured interviews with teachers and students, a student focus group, and qualitative analysis of collected texts.
The authors facilitated a focus group of seven learners to obtain input on attendance obstacles and program and program recommendations. They gathered program records, field notes, interview records, and the focus group transcript. Their analysis generated 11 categories: lack of motivation, instruction, teachers, child care, health problems, religious practices, employment, appointments, transportation, relocation, and visa problems.
The research resulted in several findings. The first finding concerns with learners dissatisfaction that came from anxiety about unpredictable learning