late assignments
I try to stick to the syllabus and its statements of the rules for late assignments, but I also take into account the individuals personal issues as they are brought to my attention.
Hi Debra,
Students will become very unhappy whenever they determine unfairness is taking place. It is simply not fair for late homework to be accepted at no penalty.
Patricia
Late assignments are something that I insist they let me know when they are going to be late. I deduct for each late assignment and they have 2 weeks to turn it in however, a deduction of points is necessary to make it fair. I know too many other instructors who are not fair and create unhappy students.
I think you are right. I am a fairly new instructor and have been lax in letting people turn in assignments late for really any excuse. I think I will tighten up on this and allow them one "pass" for the whole course which is the school policy.
Re: Patricia:
I agree with you that you need to have some kind of proof that the circumstance occurred otherwise, you will be making exceptions for the whole class. You will never get anywhere if you don't set a boundary regarding late assignments.
I think that the students must understand that what they do in class reflects how they will do in the real world. If they are always late with assignments, then how will they handle the real world. If the student can provide proof of a true personal situation, then I would make an exception only if they have communicated that to me in a reasonable time frame. If they have contacted me 2 weeks after the assignment to tell me of their issue, then this is not acceptable. They should contact me immediately to let me know that there is a problem. I can't read the student's mind to know what is going on in their lives.
I believe that offering opportunities for students to do several drafts for papers reduces their need to turn in late work. If they understand that the draft counts for just a part of their paper grade, they will likely turn in that paper on time. I understand the need to stick to deadlines, but encouraging students to have multiple grade chances through multiple drafts on papers gives them the chance to learn more through revision and also turn in on time. If they miss turning in a draft on time, they still have a chance to turn in a final draft to "show off their paper" and get another separate grade opportunity.
Hi Laird,
Enforcement is key! Life happens, and I only bend if there are extenuating circumstances, such as death, hospitalization, accident, etc. with documentation as proof.
Patricia
I believe a late assignment should be excused on a one time basis for the entire course with good reason. Students need to learn the importance of being on time in the real world.
Trying to meet too many personal issues can sometimes cause a strain on neutrality.
