Late Work
It is very important to clarify the rules for late assignments on the very first day of class. I have always written these rules into the syllabus. I have this part stand out by having it listed as its own paragraph. I also put in bold, all caps: NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS! I then explain that if there are extenuating circumstances that they need to see me one-on-one. This sets the tone for what is required for the course, and better prepares them for the real world.
I agree. When they graduate, and enter the "real world" the current students are no longer juggling family, a full time job, AND a full college load. That said, I generally do not respond to hard-luck stories. Without proper documentation, the student's grade is going to suffer, whatever the case.
Hi Kimberly,
I too follow the same practice as you. We must prepare our students for the real world.
Patricia Scales
I agree with not accepting late work. It forces them to understand there are deadlines they are going to be expected to meet and this prepares them for that. If they let me know they will not be in that day, they know to turn it in early. In emergencies I will make an eception but that is on an individual basis.
Even the students who don't come straight from high school can't seem to understand that when it says 'Late Assignments Will Not be Accepted' that no late assignments will be accepted.
I think the key with policy such as this is to be clear from the start of class and stick to it. Empty threats only hurt the instructor, the student and the tone that the instructor sets for the class.
I think that there are certain times when late work should be accepted. Depending upon the situation/.
I agree!!! Most of my students come straight from high school and are having a real hard time with coming to class or getting to class on time. Every quarter I have to be the bad guy, at least a couple of times, and prove to them I mean what I say about late work and missing test. I have written it in the syllabus in bold print as well as have the students highlight this section in the syllabus when I read it to them word-for-word on the first day. It usually only takes a couple of students to prove to the whole class but I still hate being the bad guy.
I do relay the protocols of late assignments on first day of class. If late, I do take lots of points off the work. I cannot give a grade when other students done his or her work on time. I feel its not fair. the only time I give a little "grace" if student was in hospital emergently with proper documentation. Do students get this idea? of course not, and I try to explain what the field would be like when a project is due. You might not have a job!
As an instructor coming from the public school, late assignments are a headache. I agree that extenuating circumstances should be granted some attention. But late assignments should not be tolerated as excuses will not be acceptable in the workplace.
Hi Samuel,
I agree 100%! The real world is not going to put up with lame excuses for work being done late. We need to instill in our students the importance of meeting deadlines.
Patricia
That sounds good, but how well does it work? Do you still receive late assignments? if so how do you grade them?
