Late work
I find it hard to say no to students who turn in late work past the 3 day mark. any suggestions??
Eric ,
Many instructors use a similar process, and it's sound. Clearly, those who want the best grade possible will strive to get all assignments in on time. It's reasonable to deduct a (relatively) small percentage for late submissions. More extreme is giving no credit at all but still requiring all assignments be submitted or the student fails the class. For me, that's a bit much, because the assignment now becomes a penalty rather than a learning exercise.
Barry Westling
What has worked for me in the past was to let it be known that any work turned in after its due date will be accepted but 10% will be taken off the final grade for each day the work is late.
Trinity,
I agree that if we are preparing students for the real world of work, we're not setting a good example by cutting slack or regularly allowing sloppy performance and/or conformance to stated standards. That's usually not acceptable in the workplace, and probably should not be tolerated in the classroom. As instructors, we teach many lessons, and compliance with standards is part of that.
Barry Westling
Offer to accept it for feedback only. "The last day for credit was last week, but I would be happy to look at this for feedback." It is a positive way to say, "You are not getting points for this."
As an instructor, I hate late work. It puts everyone behind. It also does not prepare them for the real world. I do explain why it is so important to have your work in on time, and relate it to the working world. I also contact a student as soon as their work is late, asking if they are alright.
I do make allowances for those with reasonable documentation.
Daniel,
In a sense of fairness, I believe rules and guidelines should be the same for all students and rigidly followed. It's hard to say no to ordinarily good students but they are just as accountable as the poorer performing student, regardless of the excuses given.
Barry Westling
When we look at the issue of accepting late work we should ask ourselves whether we are trying to impart a particular set of skills or promote the students transformation into a responsible professional. In the case of students who are normally very responsible in school and or professionally and life gets in the way of a particular homework assignment then accepting late work is a no brainier. In the case of the consistently under achiever and probably younger student then accepting late work could actually be a disservice to that students overall professional development.
Marion,
I agree. Most instructors will use something similar unless their institition does not allow it. It's important to set these standards, include them in the syllabus, discuss them on day one, and then enforce them. If students sense an instructor giving in, some will take advantage of that.
Barry Westling
I think a deadline should be set and points deducted each day. If there's no penalty for late work, it wouldn't be fair to students who turn in work on time .
Tony,
Right. Many instructors find out too late that their biggest difficulty in having students comply is they will make a policy then break it. You're right, in my experience, what goes on in one class will soon be discussed by all students in that program, and it's very difficult to restore normalcy once a broken policy has been violated by the instructor.
Barry Westling
I believe you have to have a set policy for accepting late work. You have to stick with that policy no matter what. If you dont you will find students talk and pretty soon most of your students will start taking advantage of that policy and everyone will start turning there work in late.
Karen,
Keeping class guidelines aligned with responsibilities the student will experience in the work setting is a very appropriate approach to preparing them for expectations they will experience after they get a job. This example is one of the so called "soft skills" students should master if they want to become a successful employee.
Barry Westling
I will accept late work if the student was absent on the date it was due. It must be turned in at the next class time otherwise I do not accept the work. They are adults and this is about responsibility. If they are not responsible in school they will not be responsible in the working world.
Marcella,
Policy means, "this is the way I think about this, and this is how I will address it". The trouble comes when we make policy then break it ourselves.
Barry Westling
I have to agree, Accepting late work sets a bad example and shows that its ok to turn in late work. What does that really teach them? Thats its ok to be late to work? to push back deadlines in an on the job situation? I dont think so. Late work = low score.
Barry,
Thank you for your answer, I had the same issue as Christie.
Christie,
I love my kids and grandkids so much, but I have to say no when it is appropriate to do so. Same is true for students. Accepting late assignments in school sets a bad example for when these students reach the work setting. I suppose daily reminders regarding the last accepted day might help. But as adults, if they know the expectations, they should be accountable to stay on track (or accept the consequence). Such is life.
Barry Westling
