Managing Learning for Absent Students

Organize Makeup Materials

At an even more basic level, many teachers use a standard format so that when students return after an absence, they are able to pick up copies of missed work. The most fundamental aspect of helping students after an absence is having a common location for class materials. 

Many teachers take advantage of technology to facilitate handling of makeup work. If you have a web page blog or online portal, post your assignments and accompanying material on the page. I think this works effectively as a standard routine for all students. This can allow students who attended class to find a copy of materials for review, or to replace a lost handout. so other students have access. Finally, if you have students or parents/families who have regular access to email, it’s easy to email material so parents or students have access before they return to class. I do have a caution here. Some students do not have appropriate access to technology, so be sure to provide an alternative way to obtain materials. Read my recent blog about communicating with families here.

Provide a Quick Review 

There are several ways to provide a quick review of instruction for absent students. First, if available, use a short video on the same topic to give students an overview of the topic. If you can find a video (5-7 minutes) on YouTube or another source, that is ideal. Next, you can provide a one-page overview of your content that contains bulleted key points for the student. Finally, I use a strategy called “Read the Room.” At the end of the day’s lesson, I ask students to write what they learned on poster sheets. Then, the next day, the absent student can read the poster sheets or “Read the Room” as a review. 

Offer More In-Depth Review

Students need more than a quick review to fully understand the missed content. There are options in addition to a learning guide. For additional instruction, which they may need to complete on their own, you might provide an interactive WebQuest. Or you may use a more extended video—one that you find online or one that you filmed during the missed class. I have found that if I have several students who are absent, then it is worth my time to video my direct instruction for those students. 

If the lesson incorporated text, whether a textbook or other source, you might provide an audio version of the text for students to listen to. This is particularly helpful with struggling students. I have worked with several schools that partnered with businesses in this area. The business provided the app for recording and gave workers time to record items for the school. Then, the teachers had access to a customized audio library.

Have Routines for Student Demonstration of Learning

Finally, you will want to have a system or routine for students to show you they understand the missed content, whether that is orally or through turning in assignments. First, it’s important to set a deadline that is appropriate to complete or master the material. I found that insisting on completion of work one day after a student’s return was not feasible, especially if they needed to complete more than one assignment in an elementary classroom, or if they missed work in multiple classes in middle and high schools. There is not an exact formula to use; you’ll need to use your judgment to determine a time that meets your expectations and allows for the student’s needs. If you want to discuss the material with a student to determine what they have learned, schedule a short amount of time as a part of your flexible grouping for that to occur. I observed one teacher who, rather than asking the student to simply tell him what she learned, provided an opportunity to “reteach” the material to a small group. Then, he asked follow-up questions. If you have written work for students to turn in, create a system and routine, perhaps a bright folder on your desk.

A Final Note

Helping students who miss class is challenging and time-consuming. It’s important to have a plan, organize materials, provide opportunities for instant and in-depth review, and assess student learning.