HomeSALETTINIAN OPEN ACADEMIC REVIEWvol. 7 no. 1 (2025)

Project Games: A Sports-Based Truancy Intervention To Reduce Student Absenteeism At Doña Aurora National High School

Arnel A. Simon

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

Students’ attendance at school and their classes plays a decisive role in the success of education. Absenteeism and truancy are prevalent issues in today’s academic scenario. Recognition of the roles of attendance, academic engagement, and participation in extracurricular activities, such as sports, can improve students' motivation to attend school. The study was conducted at Doña Aurora National High School to assess the effectiveness of Project GAMES, a truancy intervention program, on 30 students purposively selected based on their accumulated absences for the 2023- 2024 school year. The study employed a mixed-methods research design, focusing on both descriptive and narratology approaches. The most common perceived barriers to school attendance are a lack of understanding of lectures, a lack of interest, and an inconducive classroom environment. The most common causes of absenteeism are illness, oversleeping, and other personal commitments such as work. Truancy interventions primarily involved the support of advisors or counselors, with home visitation being less common and take-home activities being rare. Ultimately, participation in the intervention program has improved attendance and grades and led to positive behavioral changes. Students also reported increased motivation, leadership growth, and parental pride as a result of the intervention, indicating positive impacts on students’ well-being and academic success. Therefore, it is recommended that the implementation of Project GAMES be continued and expanded to other academic disciplines.



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