Late Work... What Work?!
I recently taught - and indeed am still teaching as they advance through the course - a group of students who almost uniformly turn in work late. Mind you - it's not OVERLY late - they just might not have it turned in on time. Since it's a small class I find it difficult to continue (or even begin) a lecture or demonstration when about 4 of the 7 students are still rushing to finish their last little bit of the last assignment.
I already generally drop their grades from the late work - as I understand that it mirrors real world deadlines - but it doesn't seem to matter. Should I just start *failing* or *not accepting* late work - even if it's just thirty minutes or so late? Just to get the point across?
How can I stress the importance of due dates *without* dropping the class average to D's and Fs?
Hi Laura,
We get from students what we expect! Let's set high standards for our students.
Patricia Scales
I have an expectation that when you are to be prepared for a class or have something done by a certain date and time that it be met. I don't have a lot of tolerance for excuses or for it being worked on when we are going over other things that need their attention. The student is only hurting themselves when this is not being done and it reflects on overall performances.
Hi Elliot,
I use the philosophy that I will do everything to help my students, but they must help themselves. Grades are earned not given. I am strict. I do not believe in a whole lot of leniency.
Patricia Scales
I have a similar situation. Students don't seem to care if they are penalized, some are just "getting through". I know this will effect them in the real world.
Also, there is pressure from the administration to "work with" students to improve the overall pass/fail rate.
Where do you find the balance between teaching them life lessons and giving them a little slack?
Hi William,
You get from students what you expect. Once you make a sacrificial lamb out of a student and do not accept their work because of being late, the other students will rise to the challenge. One minute late is late. Hold students accountable.
Patricia Scales
You could make up a shadow grade book for each student and show them what their grades would look like had you been penalizing them fairly. Perhaps that would wake them up. In fact, I am going to do the same with my class. I also have a small class and they are not as concerned about on-time work as they should be.
