Get Your Students Hired
Hi Scott,
I don't believe in extra credit! I believe things should be done right the first time, and if there are questions ask for help. I always make myself available to help those students that are in need. We need to encourage our students don't wait until the last minute and put forth great effort in every assignment, project, tests, etc. the first go round because they may not be a second chance.
Patricia
For late assignments, I drop them one grade. In the business world you can't keep a job if you continually turn in your reports late. I tell them if they know they are going to be gone next week, I give them a chance to complete the assignment on time. I'm flexible with having papers done early, not late. I also quit doing extra credit since it was more work for me and I'm rewarding a student for not doing the original assignment in the first place. I believe this also drives the wrong behavior.
Hello Carolyn,
You've made some great points looking at the flip side of late assignments. As long as you are fair that is all that matters.
Patricia
In a career college one needs to remember that while we wish to make all of our assignments a lesson in the "real world," the reality is that many of our students are career changers. They may be working full time as well as attending classes and caring for a family and home. These students should be penalized with a late penalty, but is it really fair to give someone a zero when they turn in an assignment a day late because of complications from work and home?
A late penalty can come with an explanation that in a "real world" scenario, this penalty might be more impactful, such as being passed over for promotion or getting a smaller raise. Retention is a major concern in both of the career colleges where I am faculty, and a consistent policy that gives some leeway seems to make everyone happy. I also feel as though it enables me to still educate the student and help them along their path without a "no tolerance" mind set. It also means that instead of giving up and not bothering at all, the student will complete the assignment and learn the material.
It is also important for the instructor to be clear about their policy in writing in the syllabus, and to adhere to that policy. I often have students ask me to make exceptions to my late policy (no later than the Friday of the week in which the assignment is due, -10% of the project value each day late), but they quickly learn that rules are only fair when consistently applied.
Hi Charles,
Time management is key both personally and professionally. At my institution we teach a seminar that has a huge component on time management. It has helped many students.
Patricia
I agree that having a dealine for assignments and that there will grade deduction for late assignments should occur.
But, as in the real world, we can not always get things done on time, rather in business or school. So what we are really trying to do is get the student to time manage. If you can manage your time you can usually get assignments done and turned in on time or early.
Time management is a skill that the students must learn and by not allowing late assignments or deducting points for late assignments helps develop the skill.
Hi Norman,
You've certainly taken your stance on this. There is a lesson to be learned for everything you do in life. You've made some good points in your defense.
Patricia
I have read all of the responses and must be the most lenient of those responding to this subject. As a result, I do pay the price. I do get late work that creates a burden on grading.
I strongly feel that it is my job to make sure students learn the content of the class. If they do not turn in assignments, they learn nothing except maybe that they should be on time. If you allow late work, the student is learning something. Late is better than not at all.
I let other instructors teach that assignments must be done on time. I try to teach them that it is better for both of us if work is done on time. I get to grade the work at the proper time in the course, and they keep up with the course. I point out that students who are late a lot do not get very good grades and that staying current is for their best interest.
People in jobs don't always meet deadlines. Deadlines are frequently missed. Like work, there must be a good reason. Students are required to inform me ahead of time and have a legitimate reason. That is the real world.
Hi Barbara,
I know this one is always tough. You just need to develop one, live with it, and be fair to all.
Patricia
I have learned that it is important to have a strict policy about late assignments. The "under no circumstances" part seems a bit harsh.
What if a student is sick--do you require a note from a doctor?
I can understand a copy of the obituary when there is a death in the family.
I just never know how far to take this.
Hi Michaelle,
You are so on point. How funny, you hardly ever hear a student say an instructor "gave" me an "A." You generally hear, I made an "A."
Patricia
I agree. It's very frustrating when I hear a student say an instructor "gave" them an "F". Grades are earned and students need to be made aware their final grade is what THEY earned, not what the instructor decided to GIVE.
I think you have made a GREAT policy in your class. Your students will realize very quickly that they need to adhere to your policy, or they will simply not pass your class. Employees expect their paycheck on time - employers expect work to be done on time. This is college - the last steppingstone into the working world. It behooves us as educators to hold our students up to rigorous standards as far as classroom expectations - including assignments.
Hi Stacey,
We simply get from our students what we expect. Always hold your students to high standards.
Patricia
Isaac,
I completely agree! I used to accept late assignments in my course but I found myself asking the question, "how am I helping them prepare for the real world?" I changed my policy and I do not accept late work. The policy is cut and dry- late work= no points. With this police in place I find that my students are more motivated to get the work in on time.
Hi Laur,
What a response! You've said it nicely! I can tell your students know exactly what is expected of them.
Patricia
Hi Laura,
I ask for documentation in cases like these, ie. obituary. If no documentation can be produced, the student is held accountable.
Patricia
Hello Brandi,
I know, we as educators must have a heart. I have a hear too! If the excuse is VALID, I do make allowance for those students with proper documentation. I had this to occur in one of my classes, just yesterday. We have to be understanding as educators, but I do know some instructor that will not BEND, no matter what....
Patricia
THREE TIMES!?! That is just 3 times too many. I would personally love to say that I am a hard-core, no-nonsense, turn-it-in-on-time type of instructor, but I allow for the unforeseen circumstances with proof (and not the proof you can forge/make on the computer). I often feel that by stating in the beginning of the course that I will not accept anything late without a valid excuse and documentation the students who truly do experience these unfortunate circumstances are willing to comply and it is a rarity when late work is turned in! Works for me!