I think different instructors have different views on late work. As a general rule, I do not accept late work but I may allow exceptions if there is an extenuating circumstance.
I do not agree that you would put on your Syllabus that you do not accept late work at all. There are always extenuating circumstances that arise. I always put myself in the shoes of my students. If I had a certain situation that arose while I was teaching a course, I would be excused for it. Why not give the students a chance if it is truly an extenuating circumstance. For example, I had a lady in my class recently who had an operation. I asked her to provide me with a doctor's note and then I would decide whether or not I would give her an opportunity to submit her work late. I would also provide a deadline when the work would be accepted. So far, I have not received a note. As far as taking late work at the beginning of the course, I will accept it late only the first week without penalty because students are getting used to the course and other courses too. If work is accepted early, when is early? Is it explained on the syllabus about accepting work at the beginning of a course? Please remember this is only my opinion. I respect your post. Thank you.
I have my expectations layed out in my syllabus that I do not accept late work at all. I do explain at the begining of the sememster that I will take assignements early with no penalty. This has improved my attendance in all my classes which in turn I feel with carry forward when they enter the workforce and allows the student to receive the learning information that is vital to their success each week.
Any suggestions on how I can improve? The last thing I want is to discourage a student from learning.
In the Graphic Design field, deadlines rule everything. Learning how to deliver exceptional design projects on time is everything! I take off 10 points for the first week, 20 points for the second week and after the that, the highest grade possible is a 50. This way, they understand the consequences of not meeting client deadlines. After this course, I feel like a softy. I should probably not let any work be accepted after 2 weeks, but like you I want to give every opportunity to learn through completing a design application. When I take my Graphic Design students on field trips, the first conversation from creative agencies is that deadlines will be met, and if they aren't, you could loose your job!
Teaching work ethic and time management in the field of Graphic Design is an ongoing challenge.
I understand the concept behind holding students accountable, and I have a syllabus which is very clear about assignment deadlines, and penalties for missing those deadlines. At the same time, I work with students who have serious life issues, such as housing and transportation that sometimes make it extremely difficult for them to meet the deadlines exactly. I am not sure that it is wise in all cases to equate class assignments with work insofar as the objectives of assignments in class are to acquire knowledge. I have always felt that it is important that students have a positive feeling about learning and that being authoritarian about deadlines in the learning environment can negatively impact the feelings students have about acquiring the skills and information necessary.
Hi Donna,
You are growing professionally. It is alwaays good when you can see others perspective.
Patricia
