A Strengths-Based Intervention to Promote Class Attendance

In social work education, students begin to develop professionalism, including the ability to be present, punctual, and prepared in the workplace. Class attendance and timeliness can offer one opportunity to learn and demonstrate these skills. This teaching note describes the use of an attendance plan with a class of BSW students (N=17) taking a required early morning course. The attendance plan was an individualized, strengths-based intervention that prompted students to identify challenges that could result in absences and tardiness, as well as strategies and resources to mitigate the effects. The data include the content of students' attendance plans and their end-of-semester reflections about this tool. In addition to promoting attendance and professionalism, students reported that their plan helped to build rapport with the instructor and increase their sense of agency, empowerment, and collaboration. Connections to social work practice are also described.