emailing homework
I have had some students in the past that have emailed me their homework and then told me that they are going to be absent from class. Is it fair of me to have in the syllabus that homework is to be handed to me in person on the date that it is due or there will be a deduction in their grade. I need to find some ways of getting students in the class. Of course, if it is due to a "compelling" reason than I would work with that individual specifically. But, just recently, I had a student miss a class a week before the final because her daughter was having a concert at the same time as her class. I don't believe that is a "compelling" reason. Any feedback would be great on this. I am also going to work on a "participation" grade for my classes. I want to give them feedback at various times throughout the quarter on how I see them in class and how it would compare to the actual working world. I could include assignments in that section as well.
Hi Lisa,
As long as you are consistent with all students then it can be redeemed as being fair. Do not worry about the subjectivity as long as you are fair to all.
Patricia Scales
As a parent, I find it difficult not to be empathetic when students have special events that involve their children. In a work situation most employers try to make accomodations if notice is given well in advance. If prior notice is given, any missed work is made up, and proof of the specific activity is provided, I feel that an emailed assignment would be acceptable. However, where do you draw the line regarding what constitutes a special event? Does this bring in too much subjectivity?
At my school, student retention and attendance are emphasized. I like the finals exemption idea, and will be presenting it to my Director of Education. We recently implemented a system that keeps students informed of their attendance status. When they log on to the school's computer using their individual passwords, it shows a green light if their attendance rate is 80% or above, and a red light if they have fallen below 80%. We also verbally bring it to their attention when they fall below 80%. We are currently on term break, but if during term drops are any indication, our retention rate for last term was significantly higher than prior terms. We won't know for sure until we see how many students return next term (next week)
Hi Matt,
Great response! You must do as you say, otherwise rules will be taken as a joke. I like your rules and strictness. Students need this because in the work place it is no party.
Patricia
I allow students to email me their assignments. I make it clear that it must be in my inbox before the beginning of class in order to be counted as on time. I allow this due to the fact that if a student is sick or has some personal emergency and are not able to make it to school they then have a way to get me their assignment on time.
One way I am able to get students to attend classes is by holding a weekly quiz on the subject matter that we covered the previous week. I have the rule that quizzes are NEVER made-up. Thus you must be present in order to take the quiz. If the student is not present or if they are late and the quiz has already been given then they miss their oppotunity.
All of this information is very clearly spelled out in the syllabus that we go over on the first day. I am then very strict about following the policy that I established. I have found that if you make one exception then everyone will demand an exception.
Cheers,
MAtt Woolley
I never upset e-mailed homework-it seems to give them another reason not to be in class when something is due. I give a grade for overall participation based on several factors I lay out on the first day of class.
Hi Ana,
I can tell you are a flexible instructor. I am sure your students appreciate your caring ways. You made some valid points.
Patricia
I've learned that when you are teaching adults life gets in the way a lot. Especially when it comes to work and families in this difficult economy. If the student have legit reason like they where hospitalized, illness in family, funeral,ect... and they can provided paperwork then I will go ahead and give them credit for it. By sticking to the rules but alos being understanding that this people have complex lives most of them will see you as more human and they will respect you more.
To you it might be just a concert but to them is being able to support their children in something that is important to them. If there's not problem. Flexibility is something that also happens in the real world.
I like your process. In my writing classes, I emphasize that I want hard copies delivered on time in class. I grade a lot of student papers and return them with feedback. Practically, I don't have time to print student e-mailed papers. Yet, students continually come to class without their paper and say they will e mail it.
Phil L.
Hi Robert,
What a smart way to discourage email submissions. You're right, you never know who has done the work.
Patricia
Hi Tiffany,
I can see how some students would take full advantage of this practice. It is good to know you have rules about this.
Patricia
Allina,
I too have concerns about work submitted via e-mail -- not only because it may encourage missing scheduled lectures but also because I cannot verify who actually accomplished the submitted work. One technique I have started is to accept e-mail submissions but only if the student follows-up with a hard copy handed in no later than the next class period. I also tell my class that I reserve the right to ask them to explain their work to me in person. Even though I have only done this for two academic quarters so far, it has cut down on the requests for e-mail submssions of course deliverables by more than 60%. Just food for thought...
Bob J
I have had students who will email me their homework only in the situation when they were sick, or their printer died. If the student was not in class for some reason, such as they were too tired to get up, the opton of emailing homework was not acceptable. I will allow it in extreme cases.
Hello Allina,
We have a participation-grade policy at my school, and it works well. Obviously, students must be at school to particiapte, otherwise their grade will suffer. Most students do everything in their power not to miss. We also have a policy if you have an "A" average and PERFECT ATTENDANCE you can be exempt from the final exam. These policies work well by encouraging attendance. I've even rewarded my class for having perfect attendance with a pizza party. Students need to learn what are good reasons to miss school/work. The workplace will not tolerate all the lame excuses from students.
Patricia
