Ensure deadlines are met
Hello Everyone,
The one topic in this chapter that really stands out is how to handle students who do not turn their homework in, in a timely manner. Of course anyone can come up with real world issues, but as a professional instructor, you need to ensure that you do not let yourself become the one teacher who is always allowing students "the easy way out".
This not only affects the honest students in your class, but it also effects your fellow instructors as those students that leave your class now expect all instructors to "let them slide", "turn it in a day late", "turn in partial work for full credit".
I used to be the type of instructor that allowed students to make up late assignments without penalty. For many reasons, I put an end to this. First, I grew exhausted with being overwhelmed at the end of the term in having a plethora of assignments to grade. Secondly, it always made me feel like I was being unfair to the students who made sure assignments were in on time. Lastly, and most importantly, it is important for students to understand deadlines. In work environments, not meeting deadlines will get you into serious trouble. Since I've stopped accepting late work without penalty, my teaching life has become way more simple!
I feel that when working with several instructors within a given program that it is very important to have a cohesive plan. My question is, should all instructors within a single program have the same or similar policies on late assignments? I feel continuity is important, especially when it comes to policies of late work.
Hi Bevin,
This is certainly a great lesson to instill in students. Trust is certainly needed in every career!
Patricia Scales
I try to humanize deadlines. It's less about me being an authority and more about me being an educator and explaining that trust is so huge in every field. You need to have a reputation for doing what you say you will or being honest to explain early if you are having any trouble or need some support. I find greater responsibility with students in assignments when I explain the importance behind their growth, knowledge, and accountability.
Hi David,
You have it! We want to produce a quality employee so that our students will succeed when they enter the real world. Employers are not going to tolerate tardiness.
Patricia Scales
I like that the module emphasized that importance of deadlines.Promptness is a skill that is learned and firmly enforcing a late work policy benefits the students. Although students may initially find a strict late work policy intimidating it can encourage them to learn habits they can carry into the professional world.
Hi Rebecca,
Wow, this can certainly be a challenge for students who have gone past the deadline. Some students feel what is the use doing it? They do not comprehend that it better prepares them. The only suggestion I have is to help the students understand how doing the assignment will better prepare them.
Patricia Scales
I have a late policy of 10% deduction per day late. This works for the majority of students. However we have a mandated policy in our upper division courses that all assignments must be turned in to complete the course regardless of whether or not they are late. This poses a challenge for students who have passed the deadline to receive points yet are still required to turn in the assigment. Since the student will not receive points at this point the incentive to complete the assignment fully and to the best of his or her ability is gone. Any suggestions on how to encourage thorough work after the acceptable late deadline has passed?
Hi Michael,
Yes, this is what we need to be doing. Students must learn that they are going to be held accountable in the workplace, and excuses are not acceptable.
Patricia Scales
I make the point clear on the first day that all late assignments will have points deducted. I do this for accountability.
Hi Tommy,
You are right! ALL instructors should enforce rules. We are not doing our students any favors by being lenient. In the real world life is tough.
Patricia Scales
Hi Alixe,
When you hit them hard a better lesson is taught in my opinion. Nothing at all will definitely get their attention.
Patricia Scales
It can be difficult to make the judgement on what matters most. Assignments are definitely important - and timeliness is key. It would be interesting to see how many different teachers deal with tardy assignments. Is it partial credit late, or nothing at all? Which teaches a better lesson?
