One Chance Coupon
I copied this idea from another instructor at our school and then modified it to fit the content of my classes. I attach a coupon to the end of my residential class syllabus addenda that allows each student one late assignment. There are several conditions and exceptions (not good for quizzes, exams, in-class assignments, etc. and must be handed in the next class period, etc.). Students who don't use it receive one to two bonus points on the final exam. I make the coupon look kind of cheesey and use all sorts of infomercial-type phrases (I teach marketing). They can use their coupon regardless of the reason. This takes a lot of the judging responsibility off of me and lets students know that I know that "life happens".
I agree with you, Linda. I also teach in an accelerated online program (5 1/2 weeks). Between working full-time, raising kids, taking care of ailing parents, computer crashes, hospitilizations, etc. I have heard it all. I know we ultimately are trying to prepare our students to be professional and accountable, but I also agree that life happens sometimes and to some extent even work does accomodate for that (i.e. sick days, personal days, vacation days). I think by providing one chance you are setting a standard by saying you will allow it once, but that is it. I do also agree that it takes the pressure off of me to determine whether or not excuses are legitimate. I like this idea. I am already thinking about whether or not there is a way to incorporate this into my own class.
Hi Barton,
It is a great way to motivate students. Students really look forward to receiving the coupons. The coupons generate a lot of excitement.
Patricia
I like this idea. In most classes, I drop the student's lowest grade on a homework assignment during the quarter. I've never seen a reason to use the "coupon" before, since I'm not sure I trust myself to keep track of the coupons turned in or not turned in. But the signed agreement makes sense to me. The agreements I can collect all at once on the first day. The coupons are just a "frill," not something I'll actually require to be turned in.
Hi Melanie,
Yes! Any little helps. It may sound elementary to some, but college students love the idea.
Patricia
I see your point (I just finished a 6-week term in which classes met 2x per week, four hours each night), and I understand the need to make sure the students have the basics before they go on to the next class, but sometimes these accelerated classes become overwhelming to our adult learners who are usually juggling work, family, and school. One break in a class can seem like a gift to them and surely won't totally destroy their sense of accountability.
I think the idea in & of itself is good but it is difficult to utilize with adult learners in an accelerated program. Timing is important in building foundation to futher topics. From my perspective it creates an idea of convenience for the student rather than being accountable for a given assignment.
This is a good idea! We had this is high school, but I have since forgot about it. I think I might have to utilize this idea because "life happens". Besides what student wouldn't want an extra point or two on their final exam!
I love these ideas. I will include them next term in my first day class materials. I think the rationale behind giving one free "pass" gives our students the message that we understand that life happens while at the same time communicates to them that they have not met their responsibility with respect to class. The fact that they get to choose when they will use this pass teaches them a lesson in prioritizing, and requiring them to read and sign an acknowledgment they have read and understand the class expectations found in the syllabus gives them a lesson in accountability.
Hi Sarah,
This is a good practice to utilize to let students know that we understand that "life happens." I like the ideas of you having conditions and exceptions. I especially like the idea of cashing the coupon in for bonus points on the final exam.
Patricia
Hi John,
What type of assignments do your students typically redeem the coupon for?
Patricia
I use the same approach and have found students really like it and use it. I include the "get out of jail free" card as a tear off portion of a page that includes a "certificate of agreement" in the syllabus. Students sign the agreement and turn it in. They can't come back later to say they didn't know assignments had to be turned in on time.
