Renowned academic, Professor Elsie Effah Kaufmann, has urged educators to rethink traditional teaching methods, arguing that declining lecture attendance among students is a reflection of a rapidly evolving learning environment rather than indiscipline.

In a viral video shared on X by Thevokofficial on April 6, 2026, Prof Kaufmann questioned concerns raised by some lecturers about students failing to attend lectures.

She suggested that the focus should instead be on the value delivered in the classroom.

According to her, educators must first ascertain whether students who miss lectures are still able to pass their examinations.

If they are, she argued, it raises critical questions about the relevance and effectiveness of conventional teaching methods.

“Have you considered that we are in a different world now?” she asked, noting that many students are increasingly turning to online platforms where they access high-quality instruction from some of the best professors globally.

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She explained that a number of students already possess certifications in courses being taught in universities, having acquired knowledge through digital learning channels.

As a result, she said, students expect lectures to offer additional value beyond what is readily available online.

“When they come to your class, they want to see value addition,” she stated.

She urged lecturers to adopt more engaging and practical approaches to attract student participation.

Prof Kaufmann further observed that many young people are taking the initiative to build skills outside the traditional classroom in order to remain competitive in today’s global job market.

She stressed the need for a broader shift within the education system, calling for adjustments from both educators and learners, as well as, the development of an ecosystem that recognises and rewards practical outputs.

Watch the video below

My faculty members will come to me and say our students don’t come to class - the question I ask is;

Have you considered that we are in a different world now? These students who are not coming to class are they not passing your exams? If they are passing your exam, what’s your… pic.twitter.com/GIIptiESN6

— 𝐕𝐎𝐊 𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄 (@Thevokofficial) April 6, 2026