Manipulative Students
I recently had an experience where the student (who I also think was ADD) had a different excuse each week for why he didn't have his assignments turned in to me (one was that the hard drive with his papers on it were in his brother's truck, which was in another state, but that he would be back the following weekend, and it still took me several weeks to get all the assignments). Whether they were true or not, I finally caught him in one where "the computer and Internet at home were down, his father was threatening to kick him out of the house, etc." and I told him that he could have come to the computer lab on campus. He really didn't have a reply. I think it also got him to finally stop engaging with me in a manipulative way.
We have a policy at the college I teach at - the excuse doesn't matter - late is late. Now, if they were in a car accident, their house burned down, they were admitted to the hospital (all real circumstances I have had - student wise, then exceptions are made. But other than major problems - the excuse doesn't matter. When you stick to your guns in this way - it takes their power away, because it doesn't matter!!!! They will still get a reduction in their grade, or if they don't turn it in, they don't turn it in and they fail.....their doing not yours!!!!!
I use the same policy in my class. There is no good excuse for not compleing their work. They should always have a plan B in place in case something should happen. There is a computer lab they can use or I'm sure they have friends with a computer. Thats the rule I had to follow when I went to college.
Hi Kathy,
I followed the same plan. Whenever you have a backup plan things tend to go a lot smoother. I always like having a backup to a backup because things will happen.
Patricia Scales
I've heard different excuses from students and I don't agree with the "No Excuses Rule".
A passed student of mine was coming in late and didn't always have the homework assignment completed because her 6yr old child was battling cancer in the hospital. I know I have my rules, but I had to give her a break. ( yet instead of being at the hospital 24hrs she was trying to complete her course so she wouldn't have to repeat it).
So to me it depends, and you can tell if the student is truly trying to pass or just come up with excuses not to do their homework.
Carolyn -
I agree with you for the most part. I know you suspected there was probably an underlying cause to the situation (ADD/ADHD), and you could be right. I think that's a sign of an experienced educator, for sure, to pick up on that. You definitely did the right thing by offering a solution to the problem, because that showed that you not only didn't want excuses, but shows you were willing to help.
I think it's important to hold everyone accountable, but also provide help to those that need it. Saying that, if he does have a learning disability, then he really needs/needed a diagnosis to possibly get extra tutoring etc., that could help him too.
Hi Matt,
Absolutely! Everyone has to be held to the same standards, otherwise you get into being real unfair/showing favoritism. What is important is that you help those that are in need.
Patricia Scales
I've learned that when I set a policy at the beginning and demonstrate that I am going to stick it to unless there are extreme circumstances(that require proof) the students perform much better. They realize that they are responsible for their own success and do their work on time.
I agree, it does depend on the situation. I have encountered many manipulative students were at first I completely believed them then later find out I was being used. It is dishearting to find out that all the extra help and good you were trying to do was not even for the right student.
