Late Assignments
I teach in the legal profession and think that policies should be developed for late assignments that mirror the profession. Each year we meet with attorneys on our advisory board. They beg us not to accept late work. They tell us that it gives the students a false understanding that there is flexibility with deadlines. They tell us that in the legal world, if you're late, you lose. They want us to have that rigid approach to prepare them appropriately. I tend to agree with them and seldom allow late assignments without documentation of their reason for lateness.
Colleen
Yes. This is why it's very important to stick to policy and be harsh when it comes to students who are doing late work. This should not be easy for them to do or you will reinforce the bad habbits.
Hi Monika,
That's right! In the real world employers do not want to hear excuses as to why the assignment is not done. Employers care about bottom line results (the finished assignment).
Patricia
I agree with this. There are no circumstances that prevent any student from meeting their deadlines, if the deadline is stated on the syllabus. When students wait until the final day to complete assignments they should not be rewarded. This is poor time management and in the work force this bad habbit will not help them. They can be assigned to complete many projects at work and then on the due date of one project be assigned something more pressing and have to complete that as well as the assignment that is already due. Employers will not accept any excuses for not getting your work done.
I believe in holding students responsible but there should always be some margin of flexibility. The students need to know as stated in the introduction of this module, "What is in it for me?" Obviously you may say their grade. I too as someone had commented drop their lowest grade. I don't accept late assignments unless their are extenuating circumstances, so the missed assignment becomes the student's lowest grade. However, I am quick to acknowledge as I review the syllabus with them that the students who generally score the highest in the class are the ones who complete all assignments and test. Since, I teach math and require the students to complete a number of assignments each week this policy helps me manage the workload and keeps the students on their toes. It does provide some flexibility and requires the students to be responsible at the same time. Many of my students work full time, have family obligations, and attend school four nights a week. By the nature of these conditions there will be times when it may be impossible for them to complete an assignment. They must be careful in their choice to utilize their option to miss an assignment versus complete all and have the lowest score dropped.
A deadline is a deadline is a deadline. I do not waiver from that at all unless the circumstances are those in which the student had absolutely no control. It is our responsibility as instructors to instill in our students responsibility and work ethic. Many times they have never had their feet held to the fire of a deadline and in my opinion...a little heat never hurt anybody!
Deborah,
One statement that gets corrected quite often: You do not give F's, the student has earned it!
I have had a few students earn their F for things like being late for every class and not doing assignments.
Hi Lu,
My institution has a make up test policy. The policy is as follows:
Day 1 = -10 Points
Day 2 = -5 Points
Day 3 = -5 Points
Day 4 = -5 Points
After the 4th day, the student receives a 0.
Patricia
i think we as instructors should not accept late assignments. Its as if were saying there is no urgency take your time. I think it also breeds bad habits.
I used to allow make-up tests but recently started not allowing students to make up a test. However, the lowest score (a zero if they miss a test) is dropped. I also take 1 point off late homeowrk assignments for each class missed.It still doesn't work as well as I'd like but my goal is to eventually not accept any missing or late work.
Hi Laura,
Enforce the policy, unless the situation is extenuating.
Patricia
Hi Colleen,
I hear you loud and clear! You have to really hold your ground with these students. At some point, they will be phased by late work. Continue to enforce rules, policies, and procedures.
Patricia
What do you do with the student who continues to have life altering situations that keep them from turning in timely assignments?
I agree as well and wonder how the "me" generation issues affect this as well. Some students do not seem the least bit phased by penalties for late work. Other students at times have a sense of entitlement to extensions and have excuses that really are not acceptable.
Hi Pamela,
Life happens, and I too evaluate situations on a case-by-case basis. I make allowance for extenuating circumstances.
Patricia
I believe instructors tend to vacillate. As a long time instructor, I hand out a course addendum each quarter where I describe the consequences of late assignments, exams, presentations, and competencies. It helps me to remember what I will enforce. That said, there are some circumstances when I would back off from what was stated for the competencies if the situation warranted.
I do have a statement on the addendum that says, " Please speak with the instructor if there is an issue with attendance/competency conflict. It is at the instructo's discretion if the above policy may be modified on a case-by-case basis.
I agree about setting the standard and enforcing it. I believe in a late work policy, and enforcing it is dependent upon each situation. I have found that students always have an excuse for not getting their work turned in on time, they procrastinate, and wait until the last minute, and some simply forget about it until, they get their "F". On the other hand, there are extenuating circumstances that happen, so I have students explain to me why the assignment wasn't turned in on time, and depending on their justification, if you will, I will determine how long the student has to get the work to me, for instance, if I don't believe their story, then I will give them, a few hours to have it turned in, or a day. "It puts them under pressure", I don't want them relaxing about the situation and feeling that they are putting one over on me. Also, I monitor students who constantly requests extensions to turn in late work; my explanation to them, is that requests for extensions should be requested prior to the assignment being due, not well after it should have already been posted. You know, it really frustrates me, how students just don't take education seriously, they expect it to be easy, and they don't want to work for it. Okay, it seems like I'm venting, but I do care about students getting their higher education, and I want them to succeed but, the realization is that I can only help those who help themselves.
I agree. It makes you wonder kind of professional they will be in the "Real world" when they turn in assignments late and have a thousands reasons for doing so.
I have instituted a no late work policy and a your friends can't turn in your work for you so you don't have to be there to do it. in my school attendance counts, if they miss to much they are withdrwn from the program. i teach nursing and in my field you can't be late EVER! so i feel the same about their homework as well. I found that if i gave an inch, they would take a mile and find it easier to have it cut and dry from the begining
Hi Brian,
You are absolutely correct! School ethic brings about work ethic! We MUST prepare our students for the real world!
Patricia
