Make up work policy
As a new instructor, Make up work has been a difficult policy to enforce. Meaning, there are so many different excuses and circumstances that occur. I have found myself in the beginning not enforcing the policy as stated in the syllabus was a problem for me because it was much more work for me to sort out the "make up" assignments and other assignments. Eventually, after 2 terms of teaching I found myself "laying down the law" and did not accept make up work unless it came with a doctor note of some sort. This was something I learned through experience.
Yes, that is fine (or a note from a judge / attorney or military officer, or work supervisor). The problem with the mdeical note is that often times people get sick but do not go to the doctor.
I like to use make-up assignments that involve writing with a small research component. Students tend to avoid these like the plague and commit somehow to getting the original work completed.
Make-up work should be use under extreme circumstances that can be documented. Additionally, make-up work should be more challenging than the original assignment. Students decision to opt for the make-up assignment will lessened.
you shold stick with the policy, no note, no make ups.
I like this idea. I too struggle with make-up work. It amazes me that some students do not even care and do not want to make up the missed assignments or tests. I don't understand that line of thinking.
absolutly stick to the policy. There are always good excuses. Students usually understand when i tell them i make no exceptions what so ever.
This is my third semester of teaching, and each semester, I find that I am not as forgiving as the first. However I feel each student is different and I always will listen to their story. This semester tops the cake. One student had a broken thumb, okay pain, second week he had food poisoning, this week the friend came and said " my friend won't be in because he broke his jaw, but if he finds a ride he will be here. Two minute later Joe walks in laughing and talking. (HA HA).
Next the girls ask him how is he doing " oh I have a touch of bronchitis"
So as you see each and every student has a story.
Make up assignment in my class depends on the student, and how they react in class, their are genuine excuses and then their is "JOE".
The morale of the story is you don't only need to listen, but you need to observe the students.
I feel make up assigment may be necessary for student but not a "JOE".
I agree with this. Make sure the students are aware of and understand the policy in the beginning. This way, the instructor is not the bad guy by following the rules.
I don't agree with such a strict policy as no make ups. Situations happen and you want your students to feel hopeful in light of problematic situations.
I stopped giving make-up quizzes. However, I give one extra quiz on top of what's required on the syllabus. Then I drop the lowest grade. This will give the absentee the chance to, in a way, make up for the missed quiz; and others the chance to increase their grade.
However, a valid doctor's note (I call the doc to verify) or court order will give the student consideration.
Because I teach in a culinary school and all the work is hands on make up work is a touchy subject. I tell my students this is not an online course and the days you miss is hands on experience you missed. Usually 3 1/2 hours worth of hands on experienced missed. I need to stay late and on my own time in order for them to do make up work and in order for that to happen they need to have a very good reason for not being in class! Just not feeling it that day is not an acceptable excuse. Along with the course material I am trying to teach my students to accept responsibility for their actions and decisions. Something that is sorely missing in our society today.
Hi Stephen:
Commitment at the outset is probably among the better ways to approach missed claqsses, i.e., don't do it! While we want to do all we can to assist students, with a good policy in place. it should take only a few examples where making up work was not allowed, or weas greatly downgraded and the word will get around. Tough love.
Regards, Barry
We no longer make up two quizzes in my school, and I think it's appropriate students generally are not motivated to study and do not take the quiz with any justification, just admit now make up for the test and the final miderm test, and we also have to consider each case particularly
Hi Maikel,
Rarely, true situations arise where some allowance for submission of work past the due date might be acceptable, perhaps with a percentage downgrade. These policies have to be defined by the institution. Too many times the lack of clear policies has resulted in unwanted outcomes.
Barry Westling
