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INTRODUCTION
The impact of limited transportation on the attendance and academic
performance of night shift students is a pressing issue. Students attending classes in the evening face unique challenges, particularly those related to transportation. While daytime students may have access to more frequent and convenient transit options, night shift students often contend with reduced schedules, fewer routes, and safety concerns during late hours. This lack of reliable transportation can lead to missed classes, lateness, and even extended commutes, all of which affect a student's ability to keep up academically. The researchers chose this topic to address a gap in understanding how transportation barriers uniquely impact night shift students. While research has explored the effects of transportation on general attendance and academic success, limited attention has been given to those studying outside traditional hours. By focusing on this specific group, the study aims to provide insights that may help educational institutions, policymakers, and local transportation authorities improve access for night shift students, ultimately supporting their academic and professional growth.
The issue of limited transportation options and its effects on night shift students’ attendance and academic performance is an area of concern for students, educators, and policymakers alike. Night shift students often have to balance challenging schedules with fewer transportation options, potentially leading to frequent tardiness, missed classes, and increased stress. These challenges can have a direct impact on their academic performance, as well as their mental well-being and overall educational experience. The inspiration for this study stemmed from the researchers' observations and interactions with fellow students who were frequently late or absent due to transportation issues. Hearing about the struggles these students faced—such as the long waits for transportation, safety concerns during nighttime commutes, and the financial burden of alternative travel options—motivated the researchers to investigate how significant this problem might be. By exploring the direct connection between transportation availability and academic success, the researchers aim to shed light on an often-overlooked issue, ultimately hoping to advocate for solutions that can improve support for night shift students. The impact of limited transportation options on night shift students is a critical issue, affecting their attendance, academic performance, and overall well-being. With rising numbers of students choosing evening or night classes to accommodate personal, work, or family responsibilities, challenges in transportation are becoming increasingly evident, particularly for those in urban areas with unreliable public transit or rural regions where services are sparse. Limited transportation often translates to difficulties in accessing reliable and safe travel options, resulting in late arrivals, absences, and even academic decline due to missed instruction time. For night shift students, time management is crucial as they often juggle responsibilities outside of school. However, inadequate transportation infrastructure, especially during late hours, can exacerbate time-related pressures. Public transportation in many areas operates on limited schedules, with fewer services and extended waiting times as night falls. This lack of access impacts students’ punctuality, which in turn can affect their participation in class, completion of assignments, and preparation for exams. Additionally, unpredictable transportation can disrupt students' routines and increase stress, which can have a detrimental effect on their focus, engagement, and ability to retain information.
Beyond the logistical challenges, limited transportation options raise safety
concerns for night shift students. Traveling alone or waiting for transportation in the dark can make students more vulnerable to accidents and crime, particularly in poorly lit areas or neighborhoods with high crime rates. These safety concerns may deter students from attending evening classes altogether, further impacting their academic performance. In some cases, students may even choose to enroll in fewer classes or adjust their schedules to daytime hours, sacrificing their flexibility and overall educational aspirations. The psychological effects of inadequate transportation are also profound. Night shift students, often balancing work or family obligations with their studies, may experience heightened stress and fatigue, which are exacerbated by prolonged or unreliable commutes. The resulting lack of sleep and mental strain directly impact students' cognitive functions, such as memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills—factors crucial for academic success. In conclusion, the limited availability of transportation for night shift students represents more than just an inconvenience; it is a barrier that can significantly undermine their attendance, safety, and academic performance. Addressing this issue through improved transportation schedules, better infrastructure, and increased support from educational institutions could help students access a more reliable and supportive learning environment, ultimately enhancing their chances for academic success and personal development.
SCOPE AND DELIMITATION
This study will focus on analyzing the impact of limited transportation on the attendance and academic performance of night shift students. This study specifically examines students enrolled in evening or night classes in urban and semi-urban areas, where transportation challenges during late hours are more prevalent. Key factors considered include the availability of public transportation options, travel distances, wait times, and the safety and reliability of transportation at night. The study will also explore the correlation between transportation issues and academic metrics, such as attendance records, grades, and engagement levels in class.
The delimitation of the study involves certain boundaries set to ensure a
focused and manageable scope. This study will exclude students who attend classes during daytime hours, as well as those who primarily use private transportation, such as personal vehicles or carpooling. The research will also be limited to public or publicly accessible modes of transport, such as buses, trains, and tricycles, without delving into private services like ride-hailing apps or taxis. Additionally, this study will focus on the transportation conditions within a specific geographical area, rather than conducting a nationwide or cross-regional analysis. It will only consider direct impacts on attendance and academic performance, excluding broader psychological or health effects that may also arise from transportation issues. Through these delimitations, the study aims to provide a clear and focused understanding of how limited public transportation access during nighttime affects students' academic experiences in a specific setting.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study will be beneficial to a selected group of stakeholders:
School Administrators and Policy Makers. Through this research,
administrators will gain insights into how limited transportation options affect night shift students' attendance and academic performance. This understanding can guide policy adjustments, such as scheduling or transportation support programs, that aim to accommodate the needs of night students and improve their academic success.
Night Shift Students. This study will bring awareness to the transportation challenges faced by night shift students, validating their experiences and highlighting how these limitations impact their attendance and academic performance. The findings may encourage students to seek support or alternative solutions, such as carpooling or forming study groups to mitigate lost learning time.
Local Government Units (LGUs) and Transportation Providers. The study can inform LGUs and transportation providers about the specific transportation needs of students attending night classes. Understanding these issues can help in formulating more efficient and reliable transportation solutions, potentially increasing service availability during peak night hours and improving students’ access to education.
Educational Researchers. The research will contribute to the existing
literature on transportation’s impact on academic performance, especially within the context of night shift students. By employing a qualitative case study approach and gathering data through surveys and structured interviews with affected students, this study will offer a detailed understanding of the correlation between limited transportation and student success.
Future Researchers. This study serves as a foundational resource for future
researchers examining similar issues in other educational contexts or geographic areas. The findings and methodology provide a framework for further research into transportation barriers in education, which can be expanded to include additional factors affecting students’ academic performance.
