Accepting late homework, that is the subject of today’s blog.
It has always been my policy to accept homework one week late with a point’s penalty. I know some instructors would adamantly disagree with this policy. Fortunately, we do have some academic license to make this kind of change in our classes.
I have been teaching computer programs for over 20 years. For10 of those years they have been online classes. Most of my students are working adults, hence the reason they are taking an online class. They cannot attend a face-to-face class due to many reasons. I understand that “life issues” arise, and sometimes homework can be late.
I am particularly lenient if someone alerts me ahead of time that they are having a problem. Depending on the problem, they might get more than a week to turn in their work, and without a points penalty. I treat every situation differently depending on the circumstances.
That said, it is posted in my classes that things like a power outage, computer failure, “the dog ate my homework”, and such, happening on the day work is due, are not acceptable reasons for late work. Every student has the opportunity to work early in the week to avoid these types of last minute problems.
On the other hand, students are not allowed extensions in my courses. They are advised that they will receive the grade earned at the end of the semester. If they wish, they can have up to one month to complete the course after the end date. Upon completion I will send in a change of grade form. So far, in my 10 years of teaching online classes, only a handful of students ever completed after the end date. I believe this saves us all a good amount of paperwork and the student still has the option to complete the course if they are truly sincere about do so.
Next up: cheating and how to deal with this issue.
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Mary, I definitely agree with your take on not offering extensions at the end of the semester. That is one thing I'm also very strict about.
ReplyDeleteOn accepting late work, I run most of my decisions by a little pedagogical test: Would it increase their learning? Would it harm the learning environment for other students? So, if a student wants to work on an independent assignment after the due date, I let them, because I don't want to get in the way of a potential learning experience. On the other hand, I tell my students that they can't make up for missed discussions or peer reviews, because they have a responsibility to their classmates to contribute to those activities. With discussions, I would be compromising the learning experience for them and the other students if I allowed late participation. So, for me, yes for late assignment, no for late participation in discussions. I'm curious to see what other people think.
I agree that discussions cannot be made up. What is the point?
ReplyDeleteI also give one extra credit assignment for the person that really needs it. Funny though, mostly just the students that are already getting an A complete it. Interesting.
I have had SO many students abuse my policy this summer, I will have a new one for fall.
ReplyDeleteI will accept no late homework, except for illnesses (there will always be an exception). Then I will give two extra credit assignments. That will be fair to all and save me from grading late files, which are a royal pain.