TRUANCY BEHAVIOR IN PUBLIC SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS IN DILI, TIMOR-LESTE: A QUALITATIVE INQUIRY
Abstract
This study aims to explore the factors causing truancy behavior among secondary school students in Dili, Timor-Leste. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews with 19 informants, including primary students and supporting informants. The results indicate that truancy is not a single phenomenon but a result of interactions between peer influence, dislike of certain subjects, ineffective teaching methods, and authoritarian teacher attitudes. The novelty of this research lies in the disclosure that structural school conditions, such as an open school environment without a student council, overcrowded classrooms (80-90 students), and a lack of basic sanitation facilities, act as primary drivers for students to choose truancy as a coping mechanism to escape unsupportive learning environments. Research recommendations emphasize the need for a shift from administrative sanctions toward student-centered interventions and improved school facility management.
Full Text:
PDFReferences
Abdussamad, Z. (2021). Metode Penelitian Kualitatif (Patta Rapanna (ed.); Cetakan I). Syakir Media Press.
Adesina, O. O., Adesina, O. A., Adelopo, I., & Afrifa, G. A. (2023). Managing group work: the impact of peer assessment on student engagement. Accounting Education, 32(1), 90–113. https://doi.org/10.1080/09639284.2022.2034023
Akkuş, M., & Çinkir, Ş. (2022). The Problem of Student Absenteeism, Its Impact on Educational Environments, and The Evaluation of Current Policies. International Journal of Psychology and Educational Studies, 9, 978–997.
Almutawa, A., & Suwaidan, M. S. (2026). Students’ perceptions regarding classroom attendance and its impact on their academic performance: evidence from a developing country. Education+ Training, 62(6), 693–706. https://doi.org/10.1108/ET-10-2019-0233
Alvarez, M. J. (2024). A Qualitative Case Study Addressing Attrition in Texas Public Schools: “Paddling Up a Creek Without a Paddle" (Issue November). National University Sanford.
Ambubuyog, S. L. A., Gabao, J. E. I. S., Barrientos, R. K. G., Tomines, G. L. O., Alonzo, A. N. J., Salminao, A. B., Dioso, R. G., & Antoy, A. P. M. (2025). Assessing the Quality of School Facilities and Student Engagement in A Public School. International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, 6(4), 17238–17245.
Andriani, Yusna, Ramadona, Y., Estiningtias, E. P., & Satriani, A. (2023). Interaksi Guru dan Siswa: Analisis Mendalam terhadap Kurangnya Motivasi Belajar di Kelas Akibat Metode Pengajaran Tradisional. PIJAR: Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Pengajaran, 1(3), 487–493. https://doi.org/10.58540/pijar.v1i3.496
BISHMI, P. D. (2024). Academic Performance Amonghigh School Students: Assessment And Management Of Risk Factors. University of Calicut.
Cruz, R. A., Firestone, A. R., & Rodl, J. E. (2021). Disproportionality Reduction in Exclusionary School Discipline: A Best-Evidence Synthesis. Review of Educational Research, XX(X), 1–35. https://doi.org/10.3102/0034654321995255
Da Costa, A., & Freitas, Z. da C. (2025). Digital Ethics and the Future of Education: An Urgent Dialogue. Journal of Educational Technology Innovation and Applications, 1(01), 27–34. https://doi.org/10.56741/jetia.v1i01.981
Egunlusi, O. A. (2020). The use of physical punishment and the authoritarian attitude of teachers actually creates fear and rejection of learning activities (Issue February). University of the Western Cape.
Fard, S. B., Vahedian-shahroodi, M., & Khashi, Z. (2023). The Effect of Class Attendance on Students’ Academic Achievement, Professors’ Motivation, and Student Professionalism: Perspective of Medical Sciences Students. Medical Education Bulletin, 4(11), 647–658. https://doi.org/10.22034/MEB.2023.385682.1072
Freeman, J., Kern, L., Gambino, A. J., Lombardi, A., & Kowitt, J. (2019). Assessing the Relationship Between the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports Framework and Student Outcomes in High Schools. The Journal of At-Risk Issues, 22(2), 1–11.
Hisma, S., Fahmi, A., Suarja, S., Anuar, A. Bin, & Marhani. (2024). Analisis Perilaku Membolos Siswa dan Penanganannya. Jurnal Administrasi Pendidikan & Konseling Pendidikan: JPAKP, 5(2), 74–85.
Kearney, C. A., Gonzálvez, C., Graczyk, P. A., & Fornander, M. J. (2019). Reconciling Contemporary Approaches to School Attendance and School Absenteeism: Toward Promotion and Nimble Response, Global Policy Review and Implementation, and Future Adaptability (Part 1). Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02222
Kearney, C. A., & Graczyk, P. A. (2020). A Multidimensional, Multi tiered System of Supports Model to Promote School Attendance and Address School Absenteeism. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 23(3), 316–337. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10567-020-00317-1
Nikmah, K. (2020). Penerapan Metode Pembelajaran Observasi Lapangan pada Mata Kuliah Studi Arsip untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Mahasiswa. ASANKA : Journal of Social Science and Education, 4(1), 26–33. https://doi.org/10.21154/asanka.v4i1.5912
Okafor, C. B., Nwosu, K. C., & Nwikpo, M. N. (2025). Exploring The Experiences of Students with Truancy Behaviour During a Peer Mentorship Program: A Qualitative Analysis. Journal of Theoretical and Empirical Studies in Education, 10(1), 406–422.
Olo Tomé, A., Yanti Mali, M., Alegria, R., Da, M., Soares, S., & Da Costa, A. (2022). Students perceptions of the Portuguese language in the mathematics learning process. Journal of Innovative Studies on Character and Education ISCE : Journal of Innovative Studies on Character, 6(2), 2022. http://iscjournal.com/index.php/isce
Rachmawati, I., Multisari, W., Triyono, T., Simon, I. M., & da Costa, A. (2021). Prevalence of academic resilience of social science students in facing the industry 5.0 era. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, 10(2), 676–683. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v10i2.21175
Sugiar, L., Sukirman, & Sanusi, S. (2024). Academic Supervision as a Strategy for Improving Teaching and Learning Quality. International Journal of Educational Administration, Management, and Leadership, 5(2), 31–48.
Tsani, B. A., Farros, M. M. F. Al, Zuhdi, M. A. W. A., & Habib, F. R. (2024). Komformitas Perilaku Membolos Siswa Di Sekolah Tingkat Sma/Smk. Indonesian Journal of Innovation Science and Knowledge, 1(1), 139–155.
Wilkins, N. J., Verlenden, J. M. V., Szucs, L. E., & Johns, M. M. (2024). Classroom Management and Facilitation Approaches That Promote School Connectedness. Journal of School Health, 93(7), 582–593. https://doi.org/10.1111/josh.13279.Classroom
Zahra, A. A., & Fathoni, A. (2024). Peran Guru Sebagai Pendidik dalam Membentuk Karakter Disiplin Siswa di Sekolah Dasar. Didaktika: Jurnal Kependidikan, 13(001), 57–68.
Refbacks
- There are currently no refbacks.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
ISCE Journal indexed by:
ISCE : Journal of Innovative Studies on Character and Education
Institute Superior Cristal (ISC) Dili, East Timor
ISSN : 2523-613X (media online)
ISCE : Journal of Innovative Studies on Character and Education is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License
View ISCE Journal Stats