Get Your Students Hired
I appreciate the guidance on late assignments. I've realize that I've been way too permissive with late assignments, and it's not helping the students in the long run. Being a new teacher, I'm too easily swayed by the "reasons" for being late. I also want them to do well in the course, so I tend to be easier on the late issue.
Hi Gerardo,
Yes, you really get from students what you expect. Firmness really brings out the best in most students. Most students will step up to the plate.
Patricia Scales
I've realized that by being firm with the turning in of assignment directly reflects student dependability.
Hi Robin
I too was very lenient 5 years ago when I started teacher and bending my rules for late assignment. I slowly learned that allowing them to turn their work in late made it more difficult for me to control my class. I have learn that there are now no exceptions and they now receive a zero if they are late on their assignments.
Hi Michell,
At least you are fair! Your students should appreciate your leniency. I have no tolerance for late work, only in extenuating circumstances.
Patricia Scales
I am a new instructor also. I've been with my college for a year now and have heard alot of reasons for late assignments. So i make it clear that with notice of absence they will have 3 days to turn in late work. No notice they have 24 hrs. Thats across the board. So if they are absent today and have an assignment due tomorrow it is their resposibility to contact me and get info and turn it in when they arrive. If they choose not to contact me, then the day of return os when the assignment is due even if they are just hearing about it.
Hi Brian,
At least you are being fair and you do not give full credit for late assignments.
Patricia Scales
They been using this to there advantage. They find a story and use it on every instructor that they have. I have found that giving them ample time to do a project is they only way to have it. Late assignments are just late assignments and get less of a grade then the rest.
Hi Justin,
There is not much that you can do if higher authority allows students to turn in work late, however you may want to bring this to your DOE's attention to determine if this type of situation can only warrant extenuating circumstances. This type of policy needs to be in writing by your institution.
Patricia Scales
I'm glad to find that I am not the only one who has been too lenient on late assignments. I will make sure to be stricter next semester with late assignments.
However, does anyone have any advice on dealing with students who due to the school's permission are allowed to turn in work late and not be penalized. I was not expecting this when I started teaching and it forced me to restructure some of my assignments because I couldn't rely on all students turning in their work on time. Thanks!
Hi Pilar,
You are on point! I can tell you do a great job with your students in order to get them ready for the real world.
Patricia Scales
Hi Colette,
You are right! Bosses do not want to hear your excuses for not getting something done. We have to get our students ready for the real world.
Patricia Scales
Hi Robin,
Yes fail them because they can lose their job due to their inability to meet deadlines.
Patricia Scales
I am also a new instructor and I have been lenient on late assignments. I know that I am not doing them a favor but there is always an excuse. The course I teach is a pass or fail. Do I fail the student(s)because of his/her inability to meet deadlines?
I have to agree that setting clear expectations are important but sometimes things do happen and this too should be considered. As a student I tried to work ahead so my assignments were turned in ahead of schedule. However, some of my colleges had unexpected problems and things like this I feel have to be considered. One individual had her house flooded. Yet the instructor stated assignments are due or points will be deducted. This has left this student feeling like her instructors do not care. I think as an instructor we also need to look at situations on a case by case basis.
Clear expectations and consistency are important to define at the onset. In my classes, students try to turn in assignments late toward the end of term.
If I maintain a consistent policy then this "snowball" doesn't start forming.
Our students tend to have a lot going on in their lives and it is difficult not to feel bad for them. I have to stay firm because their future bosses are not going to be lenient.
In preparing the student for the "real world" we need to mimic what is going to be expected of them once they are employees in their chosen profession. Setting the expectations early, and sticking to the established policy for late assignemnts will help maintain continuity.
Hi Amy,
Letting students slide with late assignments does more harm than good. In the real world their employer is not going to let them slide. They will get fired.
Patricia Scales
Hi Philemon,
I concur! Students really need to understand the importance of meeting deadlines! In the workplace not meeting deadlines can cost one their job.
Patricia Scales
Implementing a late assignment policy in which there is a form of punishment is very important. Taking points off the earned score is the most popular and it works. It helps instill a sense of responsibility in the student.