At my institution, we've tried giving pop-exams at the beginning of class for incentive. It's worked somewhat... except that at certain time, students will arrive late because of local traffic conditions. I haven't found a solution that works for everyone yet.
Hi William,
We always want to get our money's worth no matter if the item is tangible or untangible. I love the analogy you have made. Continue to give your students their money's worth.
Patricia
Every decision made is done by comparing the benefits received to the costs associated. Compare the classroom to a movie with a great plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat – you don’t want to miss a minute. Punitive responses to tardiness can have little effect if the movie isn’t enjoyable. If we focus on the benefits we will have less tardiness.
As for us here... most students feel that what we are sharing with them, as far as being on time, is made up. I have students who regularly tell that their boss now or their future boss does not or will not care... I am at a lose as t what to tell them.
Steve the other thing that is keeping them from getting class on time are their employes because they know that they have to get to school but they still make them stay to do one more job ,lots of time it is not the students fault but the employ fault!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Absolutley. The need for very specific guidelines for the studetns from day one is essential. Unfortunately it seems though that unless the students are regularily reminded of the policies they constantly push the boundaries. Many instructors note how many minutes late students are and this counts against their grade. Perhaps 1-2 grade/performance reviews during the class would help to remind studetns of the policy and make them aware that their actions are effecting their grades.
True a new generation is upon us but if we show up on time always and commit to them them on the first day to the last day, with our actions it is far easier to expect that of them and have their peers expect it as well.laying out the rules and guidelines day one is the key to the success of this method.
I agree that it is difficult for some studetns who have legitamite excuses to be late. FOr these students it seems that giving them an exception can be a blessing and a curse. Usually if the student has a history of academic succcess being late has little to no effect on their performance or ability to understand the material. Those that have poor excuses like car troubles every other wednseday 9 times out of ten are doomed to fail. I like to give studets the benefit of the doubt but I also create very strict attendance requirments so that if a certain amount of hours are missed the studenty must retake the course.
I don't think it's quite so simple. At the institution where I teach, many of our students are already working full time, while juggling the responsibilities of (often single) parenthood. Many times, these students really want to learn and to improve their earning potential, but they have difficulty getting to class exactly on time due to their several responsibilities. I think that we need to cut them some slack in this area, and concentrate more on their performance in class.
Hi Scott,
We are dealing with a different generation, Generation Y is challenging! Simply reprimand the student for being tardy. Let the students know that no employer will tolerate tardiness. At my institution we mark tardies. The policy at my institution is that if a student has more than eight tardies, the student is withdrawn from the class. You need to suggest that your institution implement a tardy policy, we are preparing the students for the workplace.
Patricia
