Work not on time... no accountability!
I've given up on allowing students to deliver assignments late. I find that letting the student slide doesn't keep them at all accountable. I reflect upon all the projects I've done in the industry, and my conclusion... mine weren't late, and respecting the client is number one.
Hi Brandon,
I certainly see your point. Are there really going to be exceptions for this level of student in the workplace whenver they become an employee?
Patricia
Perhaps it is just that mine is a relatively low-level math course, but I find that having a more open policy about late work has not necessarily lead to more work being turned in late.
I believe that the knowledge imparted by the homework I assign is more important than the timeliness of the work's completion. I take any late work at 20% off of the grade but I will allow students to turn in work up to 2 or 3 weeks later.
Obviously this is not for all assignments. Project and "major" work does not get that same leniency, but I find that my students do not abuse this policy and in so doing feel more comfortable about the work which is assigned. I think this translates to them taking more time and soaking in more knowledge.
Again, I wouldn't advise this for higher level courses, but it's my belief that, at my particular level at least, imparting knowledge is slightly more important than imparting responsibility.
Often times, when dealing with this, giving them extra time doesn't even seem to help. They still turn in unfinished work or never even turn it in at all.
I strat off taking a hard line on late assignments, but will modify this as students move through their program.
I work in television and film production. I also teach this. I generally do not accept late assignments unless I know ahead of time that there is a problem. I encourage them to let me know in advance when there is a problem so I may help.
I tell the students that missing deadlines in my business in the kiss of death. Do it once and you are suspect. Do it twice and your reputation is taking a beating. If it happens again, you might as well find a new career.
As they progress though the curriculum, I can readily identify those who have problems with time management. So I try to keep tabs on them, and not let them fall behind.
I also find that other students will re-enforce this concept.
If a student who is usually on the mark has a problem, I will work with them to get them back on track.
Hi Michael,
I like it. You are a bottom line type of guy...you want results. We must let our students know that this is not a joke, and for every choice there is a consequence.
Patricia
I have heard many reasons for not completing scheduled class/home work. I have a policy of not wanting excuses, just results. If the result is after the time allowed. The result is an unfavorable shop/lab grade. Our approach is to make the student aware and responsible for everything which is expected of them. A percent of their overal grade is broken down into 10 catergories where each one has 4 sub catergories. Each worth a score for the week which starts out at 100 and is averaged from there. After completion of one module and receiving the performance score, their effort usually improves.
I tend to agree. An all-or-nothing approach, especially for adult learners for whom the world is more complex, may prove too rigid. I certainly work with students who have unique life complications or extenuating circumstances.
Then there are the "slackers," from whom I may accept late work (with an appropriate grade penalty) but refuse to coddle. I make clear that there is a continuum from failure to excellence. Students who tend to turn assignments in late, or miss class from time to time, are striving for mediocrity, which may well be reflected in their career performance. Why bother to invest all that blood and treasure into an education only to offer up half-measures? I implore them not to make mediocrity a theme in their lives.
I have received shocking replies when trying to make the student accountable for late work/missed tests... "Is this how you expect to treat and employer"? Student reply...I'm sure I could keep the job. Dealing with unstructured, undisciplined work ethic is difficult in today's world.
I would not give up. Each situation can be different. I have experienced students who have true family crises. And there are those who have work schedule conflicts, etc. I note the penalties for not meeting the deadlines. If there is a legitimate reason, I allow make-up, but the student must put in writing to me what the reason we agreed upon was for missing the deadline.
