Tardy Student
How to emphasize professionalism to a student that doesn't find the concept relevant?
I lock the door the first week. It is a little inconvenient and disturbing but it makes the tardiness sink in much better than just being able to sneak in the class.
Hi Troy,
I love your perspective, and I agree whole heartedly. As instructors, we get from students what we expect. Let's raise the bar high, and let's force the students to join the band wagon. Employers are not going to reward you for what should be done, i.e. good attendance, peformance, punctuality, etc.
Patricia Scales
I see at least one major problem with awarding points for being on time, attendance, participation, etc. Typically, the students who are tardy or absent are the students who are not performing as well in the class. Giving points to these students amounts to grade inflation. I haven't had a real-world job where I got a bonus for arriving early (or on-time) for work. Most jobs dock your pay or fire you for repeated tardiness / absences. I think a lot of students get to this point because they do not suffer consequences for the behavior. One strategy that I have used effectively in the past is an "open door" policy. If my class door is open, you may enter class. If my class door is closed, you may not enter class. My door was open for 5 minutes after class started and during breaks. It was closed the rest of the time. I would usually give my tests / quizzes at the beginning of class so a tardy student would often miss a grade as a result. This usually only has to happen once or twice for the class to get the message. I had very few problems when using this strategy.
I have one student that never arrives to class on time. I have spoken to her several times about the problem. Always the same excuses, my daycare doesn't open early enough, I drive a long ways, etc. I explain to her she needed to consider those problems before she decided to attend school in our area and make sure her children had proper care before she made plans to attend school. But I find out she does have help and she is only coming to get money to buy a car from her financil resources at school and then plans to quit. Should I just let her be and stop banging my head against the wall about her tardies.
I understand that life happens, however, if a student is to be successful in his or her field, one must demonstrate all of the employability soft skills as well as subject knowledge.
Hi Melissa,
You have to nip students tardiness in the bud. Tardiness is not going to be accepted in the work place.
Patricia Scales
I agree with you! Trady students are a huge distraction for the class. It cause a major set back in the lecture for at least 10 mins. Then of course the student must settle in and ask other students what he or she missed. I flag trady students early on and try to determine what is the cause of the tradiness... car problems etc. And reflect that in the work field, would you be trady to work?
Hi Jo Ann,
This is a good way to grab their attention so that their puncuality will improve.
Patricia Scales
I concur with your comments. On some days I give a short assignment (pop quiz,bell work)that has to be turned in with in a 15 minute time limit. If the same student is always tardy they will lose points.
I make it a point to start my classes on time and end them on time. I let the student know that I respect their time and hopefully set the example fo them to respect mine. Students who walk in late and see that the lecture or other activity has started are often embarrassed into trying to be on time in the future.
I would discuss this issue with the student and open the session with a question: Why are they tardy? Do they have a life issue? Do they object to you giving suggestions on how that can use backwards planning to make it to class on time? Finally Stress the importance of punctually to class and how this will trickle over into the work force. Additionally ensure that the student understands the consequences of continued tardiness and have the personal courage to enforce the standard.
I fully agree, A student that does not get to class on time will probably not get to work on time thus ultimatly getting fired. I always speak to my tardy students "away from class" to advise them the importance of being punctual.
Hi Sandhya,
Punctuality is very important, and we must help our students to under its importance both in school and in the workplace.
Patricia Scales
Yes, it is important to find out after class the cause of tardiness and to employ an openness into finding a solution with the student. Again, it is important to spell out clearly in the course syllabus the expectation to be on time for class as this will reflect the ability to be on time at work in their career field.
in some classes I have been able to approach the student to see what the issue might be? was the sitter late? poor time management skills? if possible try to assist the student to find a path that will get them there on time.
Tardiness has always been something I found disturbing. One of the things I tell my students is that being on time shows respect and courtesy for another individual. I encourage my students that once they enter the work world not only is it important to be on time but be at work at least 15 minutes early. Perhaps, in class award a certain number of points for being on time as an incentive.
Hi Mike,
Preach the concept and show it in your actions as well.
Patricia Scales
