Is "No Excuses" ever acceptable for late assignments?
I wonder if a zero tolerance policy for late work might work better than trying to penalize late students with a 20 percent loss of grade per day. While it seems harsh it is easy to be consistent and rewards those that perform on time.
A method I use is that as soon as the grades are entered which usually is one to two days following the assessment, I enter a '0' for all missed tests. The students know that the zero is only temporary until they take the assessment. It serves as a reminder that if the make-up is not completed by the allowed time, the zero will stay. This way they can see how the zero, if left, will effect their grade. This works for the student who keeps up with their grade average on a regular basis.
Hi Donald,
I can see where the zero tolerance policy would work; however, the flip side to that is what if a student has a language barrier? Or does not learn as quickly as the others?
I believe that a zero tolerance policy would be a bit on the harsh side. I mean, we are all human, and occasionally circumstances arise that are beyond our control. However I do think it necessary to inform students as to the penalties for the tardiness of their work, and stick to them. With exceptions being made for the extreme emergencys.
One of the benefits of a zero tolerance philosophy is the level playing field. Student circumstances away from the classroom do not affect how they are viewed or treated in the classroom. At a certain level of education, specific letter grades or scoring doesn't mean what it did in high school or grade school and no one assignment should make a difference in passing or failing a class (emphasizing the point of having multiple learning activites for the course) . I only see up side from an instructors stand point on using a "no excuses" policy in that it is simple, fair and objective.
Even for justifiable absences the "no excuses" policy should be used. If a little time is missed then the penalty should not weigh enough to fail a course but if the absence is extended the student should not be passed after missing an extensive amount of training.
There are always extenuating circumstances that a student can't control. Even the course lecture points out the need to be flexible. We need to give our students the same understanding that we would want for ourselves. Which means that sometimes you have to make a judgement call. But, our judgement needs to be discerning and expect that in most cases there is no excuse. Having taught for many years, I have experienced many stories and lies and tend to fault on the side of wanting proof.
Hi Matthew,
I feel this is fair! Life happens, and you are right some things are totally beyond the students control. With appropriate documentation in extentuating circustances I will make allowances.
Patricia
If students are not given an option it can be very motivating stay on track; students may be more likely to plan ahead in order to ensure that all assignments are completed on time. I feel that it is good for career education students to appreciate the importance of strict deadlines and learn how to manage their time effectively to make sure they are successful in meeting those deadlines.
The zero tolerance policy, in my opinion, is the best way to maintain high standards in the class room. In my classes I have found that there are some students who will strive to do their best work at all times...while some are satisfied to "just get a passing grade". Those students will wait until the very last day(or even minute) that an assignment will be accepted to turn them in. Each student in my class has a calendar with due dates on them for their assignments so that the excuse that they didn't know a due date isn't acceptable. I do allow for extenuating circumstances, but they are few and far between.
Angelia Newby
Hi Stacy,
I agree with you. While the zero tolerance policy makes everything black and white students personal situations are not as clear cut. Things happen that are beyond a student's control and in these situations exceptions should be made. This is why a late assignment policy of say 20% deducted each day its late should be allowed. Thanks.
Mellisa
Hi Mellisa,
Fair enough! Life happens. Many instructors only accept late work with a penalty provided appropriate documentation is shown.
Patricia Scales
I don't believe in a zero tolerance policy, but I do deduct points for late assignments. I consider each late assignment excuse on a case by case basis.
I believe a zero tolerance policy is not the best for adult learners. As adults responsibilities have changed. Some adults are responsible for their children, parents, completing tasks at their employment, etc. Emergencies arise all the time and their may be legitimate excuses.
Hi Leea,
I understand your perspective on this topic, however you need to put rules in place to determine what excuses are acceptable and which are not acceptable.
Patricia Scales
I also use this technique. If an assignment is not turned in the day it is due, I enter a "0". It's amazing how frequently I have the missing assignment the next day.
Hi Dawn,
Students need to learn the importance of meeting deadlines. If students do not turn in their assignment on time; they should be reprimanded.
Patricia Scales
I agree, Patricia, but I will generally give them one chance at turning in a late assignment. Once they see the "0" on their grading portal I generally dont have an issue with them turning assignments in on time again.
This topic has been an interesting read - many different opinions.
I give my students a "0" on a late assignment, which is replaced by a grade when the paper is submitted; however, I also take points off for the late submission. Two reasons:
(1) In the real world (business), late submission can result in reprimand or even termination. Students must realize this. (2) In the academic world, the student who submits late should not be rewarded with no punishment; it's not fair (I hate that expression), or this student and others may continue to submit late.
Eliminate the opportunity for the student/employee to commit a breach of established standard.
Hi Ken,
I concur! We need to prepare our students for the real world. The real world is not going to tolerate deadlines not being adhered to.
Patricia Scales
I have been in business most of my life, teaching part-time for 10 years. I try to tie real life experiences to the theory in the textbooks.
I encourage the students to read the textbook by providing 4-5 extra credit quizzes, up to 10 points each quiz, which comes directly from the textbook.
I have found it interesting that the students who take every quiz (at start of class; 15 minutes; 10-15 questions; closed book)are the A students and the ones who least take advantage of the extra credit are the C/D students.
