6 May '14

Strict but attentive style prevents truancy, say researchers

Summary

According to a major study by VUB researchers, students can be encouraged to skip school less if teachers and administrators show they notice their absence

Teachers should take a personal interest

Many truants do realise that school is important, but they don’t feel a connection to the institution. Schools should try to communicate more effectively to students what they expect from them, but should also pay attention to their problems. These are the main conclusions of the new study “From occasional to regular truant” by researchers at the Free University of Brussels (VUB).
 

“When those who skipped school regularly look back on their school years, they mostly consider the strictest schools as the best schools,” VUB researchers Bram Spruyt and Gil Keppens told Flemish education magazine Klasse. “Truants who notice that the school makes an effort to keep them on board feel more recognised and connected to the school.”

According to the researchers, teachers should communicate to students that they noticed their absence with a simple statement, like “we missed you yesterday”, so that they feel that they belong. Punishing truants has little effect, since family problems are often the cause of the problematic behaviour. Truants are better off if educators acknowledge these issues.

In more than half of the cases, the parents know about the truancy and legitimise the behaviour through notes and doctor’s certificates. This also keeps students’ real problems under the radar. To help teachers recognise the causes of truancy, Klasse  is distributing a free roadmap with info to prevent truancy and get the students back in school.

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Educational system

The Flemish educational system is divided into two levels: primary (age six to 12) and secondary school (12 to 18). Education is compulsory for children between the ages of six and 18.
Types - There are three educational networks in Flanders: the Flemish Community’s GO! network, and publicly funded education – either publicly or privately run.
Not enough space - In recent years, Flemish schools have been struggling with persistent teacher shortages and a growing lack of school spaces.
No tuition fees - Nursery, primary and secondary school are free in Flanders.
1

million school-going children in 2013

30

million euros Flemish education budget for new school infrastructures in 2013

11

percent of boys leaving secondary school without a diploma

  • Education in Flanders
  • Secondary education reform
  • European Encyclopaedia on National Education Systems

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