Realistic Deadlines
Should students have to make an outline of their projects and turn them in prior to deadline?
In most cases yes, as an outline provides a quick road map for them and makes them more effectie with regards to time management and study efficiency
I will be honest, when I first started teaching, I did not do an outline. It wasn't until I had been teaching a couple of years that I decided to assign an outline. I guess the saying, live and learn can definitely apply to teaching. Good luck in teaching!
I wish I had read about this suggestion sooner. This is my first semester teaching and one of the requirements for the class is a paper. I have already assigned it and it is due in 2 weeks. I should have assigned an outline due earlier. We had a discussion in class last week about time management regarding the paper and I fear that none of the students have started the paper. An outline could have combated this problem.
I have utilized outlines for some of my classes. In one of the classes I teach, the had a department-wide course requirement of a 12-page paper. I have them write up a research proposal on a potential topic for the long paper. This allows them to start brainstorming on a topic earlier than later. I then require them to hand in an outline about a month prior to the deadline for the term paper. Again, by turning in an outline prior to the deadline of the final draft of the paper, it can help to combat the procrastination factor. It also shows students whether or not they are on the correct pathway with the paper or not. Therefore, the overall final grade will be better although it should be noted that not all students find this beneficial. Some students have found the outline to be more difficult than actually writing the paper itself. I see outlines as a way to organize one's information, yet also a way to ensure that the students are completing the task in a proper manner.
The key term is "should" they turn there work in prior to it being due. As everyone knows, most (if not all students) put these things off until the last minute. Especially, the nontraditional student of today. Work hours, family time and a social life all factor into the actual time a student thinks about studies when not actually in school are diminishing. To great extent, higher education is nothing short of a term-long exercise in time management. I open every new term with that topic and discuss it regularly with new students. Having been married with three children, working a full time job and doing a graduate-assistant's work, I can relate to students who have no time for themselves, much less to homework or projects for school.
Aaron, Generally speaking, outlines can be a good idea for students. Outlining helps students organize their thoughts. Early submission prior to the deadline can help them receive validation on their direction.
Dr. Melissa Read
