Maintaining

Attendance in
Company Classes
Brian Webber

Aims

To look at
the
contributing
factors
To talk
about
teacher
strategies
Other
solutions

Source
s

My Trinity Dip. TESOL Diploma work

Clandfield, L. and Foord, D. (2008) The
Language Teacher's Survival handbook. iT's.
Donna, S. (2000) Teach Business English.
Cambridge University Press.
Hart, Claire (2012) Strategies for dealing with
sporadic attendance in business English
courses IATEFL BESIG Annual Conference
Stoner (unknown) An Open Letter to a
Business Teacher [online] Available:
www.etprofessional.com [10/08/08]
Sweeney, J. (2008) Tales of the Unexpected
[online] Available: www.etprofessional.com
[10/08/08]

Hart, Claire (2012)

Contributing Factors

Learne
rs
The
teacher

The
Compa
ny

Is it
me?

The teacher

Manner
Presentation
Rapport

My teacher looks
scruffy,
disinterested and
he always arrives
late. Maybe he
doesnt care, so
why should I?

Students motivation and

distraction
Extrinsic / intrinsic
motivation
Value placed on English
knowledge
Level of interest
Time-management
High workload

The
compan
y

Whos paying?
Importance of English
Suitable place and
time
Company culture
Hows business?
Business trips
Attitude of boss / HR /
colleagues
Workload

The theories
Principled
vs.
Pragmatic
Clandfield, L.
and Foord, D.
(2008)

Formal vs.
informal
Donna, S.
(2000)

The
Theory
Principled
vs.
Pragmatic
Clandfield, L.
and Foord, D.
(2008)

Principled:
Clear for learners
if situation is
unacceptable
Inform them about
how it will
adversely affect
their learning
Donna,
S.talking to
Involves
(2000)
responsible people

Formal vs.
informal

Pragmatic:
Accept the
situation and adapt.

Formal:
Negotiating with
co-ordinators.
Approved
Absences Pro
forma.

Principled
vs.
Informal:
Pragmatic
Continuity
and L.
Clandfield,
cohesion in the
and
Foord,
D.
course
(2008)to
Get learners
review material
for latecomers
Keep handouts
for absentees

The
Theory
Formal vs.
informal
Donna, S.
(2000)

Strategies: Motivation
Extrinsic: sanctions for unexplained
absence / cancellation policy
Detailed course plan
Balance and variety of content
Coherence, continuity, clear learning
goals and links between lessons
Individualisation
E.g. workplace plan, shadowing, roleplay, do something they want

Strategies: Keep in
contact
Learners feel connected between lessons and
worry about missing out
Joke and nag to make them feel guilty if they
do not come after all, you are putting in the
work for them
Dont be afraid to say how it will affect their
progress.
Blended learning. Sweeney (2008)
technology could provide great possibilities
for a more flexible and effective learning
environment
Lesson notes emails

Strategies: Learner
empowerment
Encourage learner autonomy (Stoner,
unknown). If they had to prepare
something and didnt, they look silly.
Give learners a teaching role
Get students to review material for
latecomers and keep handouts for
absentees (Donna, 2000)

Conclusion
Motivation: punish, balance,
individualise
Talk, nag, hassle and joke about
absence
Keep in email contact with lesson notes
each week
Give learners responsibility
You cannot control everything. Teacher
is facilitator if they are not there, its
their problem. Dont worry!