The effect of attendance over performance in higher education

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted higher education, leading to shifts in attendance patterns. This study investigates the relationship between compulsory class attendance and academic achievement across a diverse array of course-content subjects at Universidad Europea de Canarias, Spain, focusing on two subject groups within the degree programs of the Social Science Faculty. Specifically, our analysis delves into subjects characterized by a substantial quantitative component and more conceptually oriented subjects. The findings show a robust positive connection between attendance and academic performance, with a more pronounced impact observed in courses with a quantitative emphasis. Additionally, semester-specific effects emerge as influential determinants in shaping students' academic outcomes. This study underscores the significance of attendance policies in enhancing the learning experience of university students and advocates for tailored instructional approaches that acknowledge the..., The authors picked up the data from their own students and other colleagues' students during an academic year. There was a previous informed consent from the students and we also received the approval of the European University Ethical Comittee with reference code 2024-493., , # The attendance effect over performance in higher education

Our database contains data from 137 students at the European University of the Canary Islands during the course 2022-23. Each row corresponds to a student, they are numbered anonymously and consecutively (column 1).

Data is collected for six subjects: Subject 1 (columns B-E), Subject 2 (columns F-I), Subject 3 (columns J-M), Subject 4 (columns N-Q), Subject 5 (columns R-U), Subject 6 (columns V-Y). Each subject occupies 4 columns corresponding to each of the variables collected.

For each subject, the variables collected are: Semester [1 (1st Semester) or 2 (2nd semester)]; Theoretical (0) or quantitative (1) subject; Attendance (%); and Final qualification (out of 10 points). The variables name appear in file 1.

Attendance shows percentage of in-person attendance during the semester. Final qualification shows the final mark obtained in the subject for that individual.

There are students who took all subjects, whilst the...