adult students/late assignments
One of the challenges of teaching adult students is that they do have a life outside the classroom (i.e. kids, spouses, job, etc.).
How do you deal with excuses such as sick child, work, deatn in the family, etc. as a reason late assignment without being inconsiderent? How do you discern if they are telling the truth, especially if you have the same students with these excuses?
It seems like if you give an inch, some learn to take a mile. But, if you have a policy and stick to it, even if it sounds incosiderate, then there is never any reason for a student to think otherwise. So if it is a late assignment, if you have a policy that it can be turned in with a point reduction until 1 week and after that it is a zero. A built in week with a point deduction allows some leniency. After that, if there never is an exception then students will never expect an exception, period. People learn to live with the rules whatever they are. It only takes one zero to never forget. And some learn by others talking and not by having to experience themselves. And amazingly, we learn to adapt to whatever the rules are if we know there is never an exception.
Hi Carmina,
Life happens! In the real world excuses are not going to fly but for so long. I only make allowance for late assignments in extenuating circumstances, such as fire, death, accident, court, etc. with documentation as proof.
Patricia Scales
Hi Julie,
Nicely stated! Rules are in place to be adhered to and enforced. Let your students know that you will enforce the rules whatever they may be. Consistency is key. You get from students what you allow them to do.
Patricia Scales
One of the key words here is "adult learner". The assumption is that adults will understand the meaning of responsibility, deadlines and expectations with consequences. Following the rules is an expectation of employers for employees and the same expectation should be in place for these students. I think that the point deduction to zero is the best way to have some leeway without appearing too lenient. If all the learners are adult, they all have outside lives that will interfere and they will have to learn to adjust their lives to meet the deadlines except in extreme cases as mentioned by the instructor-fire, flood, death, traumatic accidents, etc.
I agree how Julie explained it. I learned with my students though, that even though they are adults, some of them try to use the same excuses as teenagers do, which is sad. Some really have a hard time taking responsibility for their actions. I am trying to be supportive (reminding them of their assignment due dates) and consistant by sticking with the "rules".
Hi Jeannine,
Adult learners are like children in a lot of ways. You are doing the right thing, stick to your guns. Our students have to learn for every choice there is a consequence.
Patricia Scales
I believe this type of student requires a one on one conference. As adults, their time is committed to more than class and deviations from the desire time frame of work delivery are far from rare. Yet, the "gold standard" needs to be applied with an even hand by the instructor. After doing the first module of ED104, I found that this topic was one I'd already addressed in actuality. A one week late policy is in the syllabi I use. I do explain to the whole class when we go over the syllabus week 1 that anything handed later than the start of the class in which it's due will be graded on a lowered grade scale. I make it clear in class and in the syllabus that one week late is as far as it can go. If there are any emergency-level reasons for lateness, I request that they contact me by phone &/or e-mail or text regarding the emergency. With adult students problems with work or child care that makes their work late are handled as any students' work would be handled. But if there are extenuating circumstances, e.g. death in the family, hospitalization of child or spouse, court-related problem, etc. then I "flex" the late time as seems appropriate to this level of emergency. I wonder if anyone has a policy regarding documentation of adult students' emergencies?
Hi Wendy,
I have a policy regarding documentation of adult students' emergencies very similar to yours. If it is an extenuating circumstance, I will flex as long as appropriate docuemenation is provided as proof. Some students try to get over on you, therefore I always require proof in extenuating circumstances.
Patricia Scales
I am a new adult learner instructor so this information is so helpful. This generation is so different than mine or my siblings or even my mother so these tips will help make my students successful.
Hi Sheneka,
Generation Y is from a whole different breed. We can not handle them like we handled students 10-15 years ago. The are very tech savy as well.
Patricia Scales
It is true , sometimes we have personal problems and we have to solved , so they need to be responsible withthe school and put as a priority .
Hi Yaima,
Life happens, and we deal with problems as they come about. A lot of our students want to let school go when problems surface. We have to encourage them to hold on to school.
Patricia Scales
I agree, students are apt to stretch any requirement deadline if they feel there is half a chance in doing it. This is referencing the student that has been a repeat in all likihood. They must be accountable with assignments as well as any hands-on reponsibilities.
Hi Juan,
We must establish deadlines and enforce them. Students will have to meet deadlines on the job.
Patricia Scales
My policy is, no late assignments will be accepted. Yes, student think it is harsh. However, I do explain that as a Medical Biller, everything we do is on a timeline/timetable. we can't hand in our end of month or end of year late and we can't turn in claims late or they won't be paid. This is a real world that has to be learned quickly, especially when you attend a career college or 9-10 month course.
Hi Deborah,
I love it! You are preparing them for the real world. You let them know exactly what is expected of them.
Patricia Scales
