Tardy students
I have a student that is late to class everyday due to dropping her child off at school. Her child cannot be dropped off at school any earlier, thus her arriving to school late everyday. My class is only offered in the morning, 1st period. Moving to another class time is not an option available. How might you handle this?
I would understand that this is an issue that can not be remidied, not worry about it and not make the student feel punitive or induce guilt upon them. After all, they are in school to better their lives for their families. If she misses quizes and other assignments due to being late, she must understand that this will efeect her grade a bit. Choices must be made every day...she is choosing to be a parent and go to school, which is extreemly difficult to begin with, DO NOT make her feel bad about it, or you have already lost her as a student.
WOW... I too use this technique and IT WORKS !!!! I 'lock' the door after the 15 minute grace period .. Now that my student know that I am serious, I have fewer student tardy for class.
Hi Debra,
Some students are known to be late. I use the same speil as you. It is always a positive and great reinforcement to compliment the student when they do arrive on time so that they are encouraged to continue the right behavior.
Patricia
I also have a student who is continuously late. I've stressed the importance of being on time to class just as she would have to be on time at a job. School for now is her job and she needs to make arrangements to get there on time every day. Last week she showed up 10 minutes early and I comended her for it!
John,
I also give quizzes at the beginning of class to curb tardiness. I like how you throw out the 2 lowest scores. I have a policy that as long as a student sends me a message that they will be tardy, then they can make up the quiz on their own time. This seems easy enough. However, only about 2-3% of the students send me a message and the student that has a legitimate reason always sends it daily.
Melissa
I have a rule in my class that for every minute late to my class it will cost you 1 point of your grade for the day. Therefore if the student is late - they know the value.
Considering that most schools and/or classes begin around 8:00 or 8:30, if sounds as if the student may be within 15 minutes or so of the beginning of class. If this is the case, allowing this tardiness to go "unpunished" is I feel the best way to handle the adult learner. She does have a situation which is not controlled by her. I stress to my students that I'm on time and my expectation is that they are also on time, but as instructors we need to understand and be supportive of others who are trying to become successful individuals and that sometimes things cannot be written in stone. A little latitude can go a long way.
Hi Siobhan,
Depending upon time, I will repeat the information or say in a very respectful and polite manner I've covered that, but you can get with me either at break or at the end of your school day, and I will be happy to answer your question. It is not what you say, it is how you say it.
Patricia
Moreover... how do you handle the tardy student who then proceeds to ask questions already answered in the previous section of the class... if you say "We have already covered this"... you are perceived as rude... how should it be said?
That is true. Every student has their own special reason as to why they would be tardy. However, every student also knows how to play the game of making up excuses why he or she is coming in late. I get tired of excuses, and mention that the assignments are due on a particular day and time. Sometimes it is very difficult to know whether the student is being straight with you or not. In the gaming classes, students will stay up all night long playing games, then drag themselves into class late stating they had to drop off their child, or the babysitter showed up late.
Hi John,
Students being tardy is a constant battle. I am a 20-year veteran in the field, and it is no different than it was 20 years ago. I've seen that giving quizzes the first few minutes of class that can not be made up are the most effective way to encourage students to be punctual.
Patricia
Hi Penny:
I teach in a large metropolitan area where many students commute 20 miles or more to come to school, many on public transportation which is time consuming. Both 8 AM and 6 PM class start times are in the midst of rush hour here. I give a simple quiz for the first 10 minutes or class that cannot be made up. The 2 lowest quiz scores are freebies or are disregarded in their grade. That way any occassional delay will not hurt their grade. Many students are continually late, and I have not come across anything that will consistently get them into class on time.
Any suggestions? Should I give a 2nd chance for quizzes with lower point values - perhaps at the end of the same class?
John
Amy,
Locking the door is a great idea. Thanks!
I may try that.
Hi Penny,
Generally a nice talk as you did does the trick.
Patricia
I have had two students that have been consistently late 10-15 minutes every day. I talked to them quietly and asked them if they could try to leave at least 5-10 minutes earlier and get to class on time. The clam and respectful discussion I had with them helped and they were there on time the next dday. I thanked them for the effort they did to make it on time.
fortunately, i must adhere to a very strict school-wide attendance policy, which makes it easy to remain consistent.
Hi Shanna,
Trying to help the student solve the problem is key. Our students are not great problem solvers. We must help.
Patricia
I think you should talk to the student about maybe having a family member or friend help with getting her child to school.
Hi Jacinda. My class begins at 8:30 but I allow a 15 minute grace period after which time my door is "locked" and the students will have to wait until the next break to enter the room. I have found that the 15 minute grace period allows the extra time for slow movers and shows the students that i am willing to compromise a little.
