Exploring reasons to attend formal teaching sessions among students: A self-determination theory perspective

Abstract

Among students in higher education, attending formal teaching sessions might be important not only for academic achievement but also to foster human values. Despite this, the low and declining attendance rate is a growing concern in higher education. This study aimed to explore what students believe teachers could do to facilitate attendance at formal teaching sessions in the physical education part of the teacher education program in Sweden. Three focus group interviews were conducted among students aged 20 to 35 who attended the teacher education programme. The self-determination theory was used as a theoretical framework, and data were analysed and categorised using qualitative content analysis. The analysis of the interviews formed an overarching theme that intersected with four categories. The results show that teachers might facilitate attendance during formal teaching sessions by providing opportunities for students to interact with each other; match challenges with skills; be engaged, enthusiastic, and caring; and outline the value and rationale. The study’s implications for teachers are discussed in the paper.

Keywords

• attendance
• higher education
• teacher education