Late assignments
I think teachers should be flexible when necessary. Students will have some flexibility in the real world too.
Hi Glenn,
Some instructors and some employers are flexible with deadlines, if knowing beforehand, but this will not work on a frequent basis.
Patricia Scales
Yes, flexibility occurs in the workplace, if you keep your boss informed of any pending problems that might affect your ability to meet the deadline; that way he or she has the opportunity to assist your efforts with suggestions or guidance. Students should also inform the instructor of deadline problems before the due date, which would give the instructor a chance to offer assistance. Otherwise, a project has to be handed in at the very next class with a 10 point penalty.
Hi June,
Flexibility is important. As long as students get flexibility with turning in assignments beforehand and not late, this is okay. In the real world not meeting deadlines is unacceptable.
Patricia Scales
Give the students a option to turn in assignments early if they are finished. Teachers are being flexible when you give students lead way when turning in assignments.
Hi Sean,
Policies are certainly in place for a reason, therefore for you to accept late work I am sure it must be a GOOD reason.
Patricia Scales
Our policy is to not accept late work. There is a period there... but with an explanation BEFORE hand I will... usually.
Hi Lori,
You have to be stern when it comes to late assignments. If you are flexible in accepting late assignments, students will take full advantage of you.
Patricia Scales
I have learned from past experiences that if you allow "this one time" event for a student regarding assignments being late, that it can become a revolving door routine. I make sure every student understands that in 5 days the assignment will be a zero, & those little points can add up quickly to a fail if not completed on time. I find that if you bring it home to them that first it is expected for them to do the work to gain a further knowledge base of what they will be expecting out in the work world & second it does prepare them for meeting deadlines, & for some this is a new experience for them to learn. With our help as instructors we can give some of our students a new & useful tool.
Hi Mark,
Set rules about late assignments and have them apply to ALL students so that you can not be labeled as having favorites.
Patricia Scales
Being flexible about late assignments is challenging because you have to guard against playing favorites.
I agree, corporations aren't as flexible since the economy changed. They will hire someone to do the work who will meet the deadline. We don't always serve the student by not preparing them properly.
Hi Maria,
I only allow flexibility when there are extenuating circumstances. I have learned that even college students will take advantage of you.
Patricia Scales
