Did we do anything while i was gone?
I always like to give the student the oppertunity to make up what they missed.
Hi Joanne:
Something that might help alleviate the issue of students missing key information is group work.
Group work can also be a great way for “less apt†students to gain a different perspective from a classmate instead of just hearing everything from the instructor day after day. This different perspective may be just what that student needs to gain a more robust understanding of the material.
Regards, Barry
Hi Angela:
This sounds like a grat technique! Unfortunately, not all classes and participants hold themselves as accountable. For that reason, a lot of instructors have to resort to using a rubric system that details the expectations, and consequences of missed work.
Regards, Barry
Hi Kimberly:
Most institutions use a similar guideline for student absences.
The important thing about whatever system is used is that it is introduced to the student as early as possible so they know what to expect.
Regards, Barry
Hi Abigail:
This can be daunting, especially when we feel like the student should be responsible for themselves.
Some institutions have electronic systems that allow the student to access things like class notes and grades. The value of such systems is in the time-saving aspect to the isntructor.
Regards, Barry
I agree, and I find that having a clear and detailed syllabus is helpful. The problem for me is more prevalent in classes where lecture and discussion are an integral part of the presentation and content. You simply cannot re-teach all the content. Assignments and assessments can be made up, but content delivered by lecture and class discussion cannot.
Hi David:
Good point - another idea is to have the lecture notes available electronically to expedite the turn around process of informing students what was discussed in class.
Regards, Barry
Hi Annette:
In support of what you've described here, I think it's very important to clearly state the consequences/expectations on the FIRST day of class, to avoid any misunderstandings down the line.
Regards, Barry
Hi Halina:
This sounds like a good practice. I think what's most important to consider is having whatever rules or expectations that will be used in this situation laid out to the student on the first day of class, so they understand the consequences of missing a test.
Regards, Barry
Hi Kathleen:
With the exception of final exams, I think most institutions try to follow the same ida that you've described. It reinforces with the student the need to be to class so we don't miss important information, or cause the instructor to have to cointually repeat themselves.
Regards, Barry
Hi Gary:
This is a good practice to put the work back on the student, and have them do the work they missed on their own to catch up with the rest of the group.
Regards, Barry
Hi Stephanie:
Good point - by allowing make-up work, this may send the message that it's okay to miss class anytime they feel like it.
The problem with missing class, is it creates more work for everyone to bring that student up to speed.
Ideally, reinforcing missing classes is inefficient to successful outcomes.
Regards, Barry
I teach an accelerated course so I encourage my students to find a regular study buddy, exchange phone numbers and retireve any missing information. therefore as adult learners, I hold the student accountable and not being catered to.
Hi Michael:
In some teaching environments, that's just not feasible. In healthcare, if a student has missed something, it usually impacts their ability to understand the next topic.
We often end up spending a lot of time catching students up outside the classroom.
Regards, Barry
When I have students out, it is their responsibility to text or email me. If they do let me know, they are allowed to make up any work we might have done. If I don't hear from them, then they are not allowed to make up work. I tell them first class, my class is set up like an office. You would not miss work, and not inform your boss.
That's a question that drives me nuts! I tell my students that if they are gone, I keep all handouts in a stack for them to receive when they return. However, they are expected to get all class notes from a classmate. If they provide legit documentation, I'll let them make up an exam, if that's the case.
Each absentee on return can see me at break and request a copy of any power point, or written material. For further explanation they can come at office hours by appointment. We don't make up quizes, but they can receive a copy to study.
They can request to make up one test within a week at the receptionist's office.
Hi Ronald:
Personal responsibility and accountability have to come into play at some point. As teachers, we are facilitators of learning. If a student has been absent, they will have to assume some of that facilitation on their own.
Regards, Barry
I agree. I don't have the time to go over the material covered on an individual basis (some classes could have been up to 4 hrs long) I have had students in the past who expected me to devote all my time bringing them up to speed. I referred them to the project samples and any materials given out while they were gone. If the class is working on a lab project without assistance that allows sometime for my personal attention I will certainly help them but they must realize that the others are entitled to my assistance as well.
I will review with the student anything they missed while absent, but not during class time. They are required to see me during office hours to find out what work they missed.
If they were not present for a test, a copy is left with our test center and they will have five days to take the test on their own time. If they have not completed it in that time, they receive a zero grade for the test.
