Communication Efficacy and Attendance Barriers During Weather-Disrupted Class Resumptions: Evidence from a Philippine Public High School

This study examined students’ awareness, communication channels, attendance patterns, and factors influencing attendance during the resumption of classes following a weather – related disruption in a public high school. The study was anchored on the Shannon – Weaver Model of Communication, Bandura’s Social Cognitive and Self – Efficacy Theory, and Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory to explain how communication effectiveness, personal efficacy, and environment al conditions influence attendance behavior. A descriptive quantitative research design was employed. Data were collected from 210 students using a researcher – developed questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, including frequency counts and percentages, were used to analyze the data and describe students’ awareness levels, sources of information, attendance behavior, and reasons for attendance or non – attendance during class resumption. Findings revealed that most students (89.5%) were aware of the class resumption announcement, indicating generally effective dissemination of information. Facebook Messenger and chat groups emerged as the dominant communication channel, accounting for 88.6 % of reported information sources. Despite the high level of awareness, only 11.43% of students attended the resumed classes, while 88.57% remained absent. Among those who did not attend, bad weather and unsafe travel conditions constituted the most frequently reported reason for absence, followed by functional unawareness of the announcement. Connectivity – related barriers, including poor cellular signal and internet access, also contributed to information gaps among some students. The findings suggest that awareness alone does not guarantee attendance during disruption recovery periods. Students’ participation is influenced by the interaction of communication effectiveness, perceived safety, environmental conditions, and access to transportation and information. The study highlights the need for resilient, multi – channel communication systems and context -sensitive strategies that address both informational and environmental barriers to student participation during emergency – related cl ass resumptions.