Get Your Students Hired
I really like the idea of deducting points from late assignments gradually. I have found that the all or nothing method doesn't seem to work with students. This is a good way to put the work back into the students' hands and allows the instructor to take a step back from filtering some of the excuses.
I agree with Hilary. Instead of bargaining with the student, I can tell them not to be stressed about the assignment, and they can still hand it in the next time for half credit.
Hi Margaret,
Yes, you have to make it mean something to them. You have to hit them where it hurts.
Patricia
Hi, Hilary, I like this idea as well. I have been deducting points as a general rule, but I have not had the exact number of points deducted per day. I am eager to try this method. My only concern is how quickly a week goes by in accelerated classes.
Hi Elise,
I like the idea of breaking the project up into smaller parts to reach the goal. It it very nice and caring of you to make things flexible for your students.
Patricia
Thank you. I have already revised my policy and we will see if it works. Makeup days will be on Mondays.
I will also use Elise's idea on breaking down a big project. These forums have been very knowledgeable!
I teach humanities, which is a General Education elective. One way I have found to reduce late work is to break large assigments into components. For a paper I might divide it into three parts-a Resource List (so I can check to make sure they are getting the appropriate sources up front)due the 5th week, Part One of the paper due the 8th week and Part Two due the 11th week. They have the option of submitting the entire paper in Week 11, but with a 10% reduction in points. This gives them an opportunity to choose which schedule fits their needs. About half my students choose the latter as they find they need to concentrate on the requirements for their major courses.
Hello Sarah,
If you have a difficult time in adhering to your policies may be your policies are not realistic, and they need to be revised.
Patricia
Hello Kyle,
Generally, if a student knows he or she will lose points for late assignments, the students will make it a point to get their work in on time. I make sure enough points will be deducted so that the grade drops a letter grade. You have to hit students hard, otherwise it is no big deal.
Patricia
I agree. We have a point deduction system but we are on a six week term. My class is very hands on class as soon as they hit the door. Because time is limited, I have a difficult time in adhering to my own policy, so I think I am going to institute a day in the week where they have to make up the work in the week the work was due. If it was for extenuating circumstances they have a chance to make full points, otherwise they can receive up to 80% of the grade.
Hi Richard,
I understand the points you have made. The administration should know how much validity to put into student evaluations. It's kind of like you are between a rock and a hard spot.
Patricia
I agree. I realize there are a lot of external factors that can affect a student. Having a detailed process that lets the student know that late assignments are ok but for a price seems to give them more responsibility and accountability for their work.
Hi Hope,
Put it on your syllabus and live by it. It will make your life a lot easier; and you will have less students being late with tests and quizzes.
Patricia
We in Career education also have the conflict with how we disapline students in the first 4 - 5 weeks of a quarter when they will complete an evaluation in Week Six. If we disapline too harshly, we will likely get "bad ratings."
I used to hesitate before scheduling tests and quizzes before the evaluation vote (I gave them anyway), fearing a bad rating would doom my career as an instructor... An experienced instructor pointed out that we are "expected to" set rules, warn of point deductions and give tough exams - we are in charge and enforce rules -if they are fair, they should not skew the approval vote!
I agree, and I plan on implementing this on my next semester that I start up with. I have run into late assignments and late quizzes....and I have never been really clear about the points. I will be from now on, as I am going to be placing this on my syllabus.
Thank you!
Hi Richard,
No structure and you are at a lost. Students want and need structure.
Patricia
Hi Abigail,
A letter grade drop is stiff, and it definitely gets their attention. Perhaps, this policy would make them think twice about turning in late assignments.
Patricia