Better Late than Never
I have mixed feelings on accepting late assignments. As noted, we should be treating homework and projects as assignments given to the student by the future employer. If your boss gives you a hard deadline for a project, they are not going to accept it 5 days past the due date. However, collecting these assignments, can give the instructor an assessment of the student's learning and therefore are extremely important. This is why I feel it is essential to establish your expectations on Day 1 and stick with this policy. Also, to set the example, the instructor must also return assignments, exams and other assessment methods to the students in a timely manner, after all, we set the example of the expectation.
This is a major struggle for me. I know that being a professional requires diligence and dedication and therefore requires work be completed in a timely manner. So this should carry forward to the classroom and ensures students stay engaged and understand the importance of submit assignments on time. This module reminded that students need to buy in to the course so setting a late assignment policy is very important. I also realize this is a time for learning and success is very important. It is during this time that students sometimes expect some flexibility. I struggle with what is acceptable and unacceptable excuses.
I think receiving a zero, from the students point of view, should make them want to at least hand in what they have done even if it isn't completed, to get some credit. A zero really hurts their grade.
When I taught on the high school level I would accept late assignments with a penalty on 10% off of their grade, but now that I teach on a college level I do not accept any late work unless they have a legal documentation (excuse).
