CAN WE (IN GOOD CONSCIENCE) REQUIRE ATIENDANCE IN OUR CLASSROOMS?

Abstract

In this paper, we examine David Romer's call (Summer, 1993, Journal of Economic Perspectives) call for mandating class attendance. Romer presents evidence that regular attendance improves grades. While we have sympathy for his position, we are not entirely convinced. In particular, if students are not motivated to learn, mandating attendance will do little. More importantly, if critical thinking is not required m the class, students may be able to do as well with the text as by going to class. We present evidence to support the latter point. Thus we are not eager to mandate attendance and would not expect to mandate attendance to dramatically improve learning in all cases.