Yolanda,
Real world makes a lot of sense, unfortunately many students that instructors get in their classes these days are "unfamiliar" with ideals such as accountability, responsibility, or having to answer to standards and guidelines expected of them. That said, I agree that it is wise to be aligned with the overall institutional standards, have all rules clearly stated and discussed in the syllabus, and then, stick to them. Students may not agree with them but at least they should be prepared to understand them, (and surfer the penalty of noncompliance).
Barry Westling
Before setting up rules, check with your college to determine what the overall policies are in these areas. Next be sure you covered the policies which were print in the syllabus. The school expectations and your, should be the same.
Explain to students when test is due. If they take the test late, so many points will be deducted.
Make up is done, only if there was an emergency.
With documentation, example: hospital visit, court and doctor's note. No note, no exceptions. or they can take the test the day before scheduled to reduce points. This will also teach repsonsibility. Be fair but firm. you are preparing them for the real world, with deadlines.
Zack,
Clear instructions accompanied with solid follow through does provide for fewer arguments later on.
Barry Westling
We set clear rules before student enters school so he or she knows critera for making up test.If u stick to policy there is no confusion.
Kryste,
Yes, it's important to have specific, clear instructions beforehand about the rules for anything, including make up exams. If not, students sometimes feel their instructor is unfair, acting arbitrarily, or subjectively making decisions. Discussion beforehand tends to limit these kinds of accusations or unfavorable feelings.
Barry Westling
