On time
having students know that materials must be turned in on time is very important. Often points being deducted for late work gives value to the student to be on time.
Catherine,
Holding student to expectations can reduce a lot of unnecessary frustration by the instructor. Some students will always try to find where there is wiggle room around assignments. I will put all my expectations in the syllabus, then have the students sign that have received the information and agree to accept the expectations. It's not perfect, but it helps hold students accountable.
Barry Westling
Absolutely! I prefer to provide a written schedule of when assignments are due for this class. This eliminates the tired, "But I didn't know when that was due!" excuse. Students will continue to have late assignments, but the excuse won't be that they didn't know it was due.
Yvonne,
Some times students fail to see the importance of this seemingly simple act of responsibility. But we all know that in the workplace, punctuality can make the difference in keeping or losing a job.
Barry Westling
I totally agree. I also feel we lead by example and an instructor/professor should start and end class on time.
Josiah,
Using similar policies in class that are like what a student may find in the workplace are helpful. We just need to keep in mind that in school, students are learning. At work, it is expected the worker knows what is expected.
Barry Westling
Dustin,
Point deductions are a very mild form of behavior correction that usually has little weight on a grade, but the corrected behavior can have significant impact in the workplace setting.
Barry Westling
This is essential. since we also have deadlines in real life. never hurts that have some structure.
I agree that deducting points for late work should be implemented. It shows that turning it in on time has it's rewards and shows the class that late assignments are not tolerated.
Monica,
Students do look to their instructors as role models in many cases. All we do is on the radar, subject to approval or complaint. We may not be able to satisfy everyone, but we don't have to give substance to unwanted criticism either.
Barry Westling
I agree, this gives a since seriousness and accountability
Roger,
Absoutely! Expectations rearding class rules and standards are a must. Any disagreements later on can be relatively easily resolved by referring to the establishished class standards. The key is to be consistent in their enforcement (even for the well performing students or the more likable class participants).
Barry Westling
setting clear expectations ahead of time will keep several problems from creeping up later.
Freddie,
I''m a firm believer in setting clear instructions, taking the time to review ad discuss with students on the first day, make reference to them in the syllabus, then sticking to the guidelines. Firm but fair.
Barry Westling
make sure your student no that they have a time frame to complete their project.
Lillian,
Many instructors will state in their syllabus there can be a quiz every day that will be given "1st thing". So anyone that is consistently late will begin to see their grade lowered due to being absent during the quiz. At my college, students can earn up to 10% of their grade from "professional development", which includes categories of attendance and punctuality, dress, grooming, and hygiene, and missing professionalism. This is also something you may want to consider if your institution will allow it.
Barry Westling
I agree. How do you feel about students who are consistently late. tardy is fifteen minutes, but, thy run 10 to 14 minutes each day. Our policy considers them late, but not tardy till fifteen minutes after the hour or designed time. feedback will be greatly appreciated.
Lisa,
You have a good policy for late work in place. Policies should define...."this is how I think and how I will act when these circumstances occur". When instructors make policies but fail to adhere or make exceptions, that corrupts the entire process. Policy should be fair, be stated, be explained, and then followed (by both instructor and student).
Barry Westling
Joyce,
Good. When students can appreciate the information, skills, and professionalism are directly related to the work setting and could impact their ability to get and keep a job, that should make sense to most students.
Barry Westling
I recently changed my policy. If you don't turn assignments in on time, you loose 10% a day it's late. This is regardless...I do the same for testing. If you aren't in class the day of testing, you must make it up that week, you will still loose 10%. If it goes to the next week it's 20% and so on...This has changed the culture in class dramaticaly! Much less late work or missed test days!
