No late work is accepted!
I have a very firm no late work policy with my culinary arts students. They are given the assignments weeks in advance, and I even offer to proof and "pre-grade" or give feedback on how they could improve. I offer this "free of charge" as an incentive to turn in quality work on time. I explain that my boss does not accept late work and that neither will I. I always relate it to the "real world" and let them know I am doing them a dis-service if I take late work. What do you think? Too harsh?
Hi Williams,
Our students do have a lot going, but we still must prepare them for the real work. Life is no cake walk.
Patricia Scales
I agree with you that flexibility is important. I have been very strict with late submission of assignments. I believe we must teach students to be discipline and time conscious in order to prepare them to the real world working environment. However my recent experience has enabled me to adopt some flexibility. I had student recently who was late for submitting an assignment. I call the student and asked him if he knows the consequences of the late submission of assignments. I found out the this particular students is married with five children and works 8 hours each night for 7 days a week. I therefore started to adopt a firm, but flexible policy towards late assignment submission.
I like the idea of stiffer penalties for students who have progressed farther. Incoming, newer students need a little acclimation time because a lot of high schools aren't preparing students for college life like they used to...students are prepared to pass standardized tests and aren't necessarily ready for 'the real world' even if they graduated with honors. Giving time for these students to adjust to college culture shock is, in my opinion, justified and fair.
Hi Darlene,
Simply, you get from your students what you expect. My policy is very strict, and I get great results from my students.
Patricia
I commend your view. I had not really thought about it until now. I had always accepted late work with 20 point deduction for each day late. I fear that some students would fail the class if they weren't allowed to turn in late work.
Although, I teach adults many of my students never had any structure in high school or in their personal lives. I find that I am consistanly "chasing" some students to complete their work. Do you think that a policy this strick might help?
Michelle,
I agree with you. I also don't accept assignments late. This gets them ready for the future job. My boss won't accept late work so we are preparing them for the real world now. We have deadlines for a reason.
Kelly
I often teach classes that are the first or second classes for the students, many of whom are returning to school, are parents, have jobs, etc. In my syllabus, I print up a "free pass." It allows the student to turn in one assignment, one day late, with no point deduction, and no explanation required. Each student can choose when to use it. I esp. like the "no explanation required" part, because then I don't get sucked into evaluating the life situation. It prevents charges of favoritism. I have had it happen in the past where I respect a student's privacy in not discussing the life situation that led to late work, and then other students try to charge favoritism: "You let her turn in late work! Why can't it?"
Hi Carolyn,
To better monitor situations have your students produce documentation, such as death (obituary), hospital (doctor's note/admitting papers), etc.
Patricia
I, too, try to be compassionate; however, there often seems to be more family member hospitalizations, deaths, etc., than one would expect. I generaly take the students' word and err on the side of compassion but think that a few students manipulate this.
Hello Shantelle,
I have a heart. I would have to bend the policy based on the situations you presented.
Patricia
Hi James,
What point system do you use to deduct late points?
Patricia
I think the way you handle late work is good, and firm, but what about "life" and the little surprises that can arise? I have a few parents in my classes and find that there are times their children are sick and they have to miss class, and the assignment will be late....
Now, in a perfect world, all the students would complete the work well before the day its due but that's just not the case.
What about when an assignment can't be turned in due to a life situation (car problems, health problems, etc.)...would you still give them a F?
No late work acceped with full points giving. I explain as work is late points will be deducted .
Hi Ronald,
I understand, but what kind of message are you sending to the students by doing this?
Patricia
Hi Kevin,
Your rules are fine as long as the rules apply to everyone. My rule is all work for the week is due Friday by noon, no late assignments accepted.
Patricia
Hello Tasha,
Any instructor with a heart would have done exactly as you did. This situation was extenuating.
Patricia
I totally understand the need for the "no late work accepted" policy and I impliment it in my class. However, also understanding that some of life's events are totally unexpected I compromise with students who have unfortunate events take place. As an Instructor, you know the difference from what's genuine and what's an any given day excuse. For example; a student last quarter mother passed away on a day that we had a test and major assignment due. I didn't expect that student to perform to her normal ability under those circumstances and empathizing with the situation being beyond her control I allowed her to make up the test and turn in the assignment late.
In my class homework is due on fridays with only munday for late work
Michelle,
There is something that will always come up that will take priority in the student mind over the education that they are paying for. They are your employers and flexibility will serve you better than a make or break attitude. (And may help your school make money and you keep getting paid.)
