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Procrastination in an online learning environment is inevitable. For asynchronous learning it allows students to do things at a time that is most convenient for them. However, as an instructor it puts me behind in grading and I must focus my time on past due material instead of putting the energy to use on the current weeks course material. Are there any successful methods for circumventing or minimizing procrastination for asynchronous assignments?
I think hard deadlines are important to deter procrastinators. So in order to not come across as uncaring I might be flexible on a missed deadline if they have have a good excuse, but only on the first time. Otherwise you might establish a pattern of being too flexible and procrastinators will take advantage of you. This means more work for the instructor.
I also tend to put out announcements to remind the students of an upcoming deadline. This may help motivate students not to procrastinate and take away any excuses about not knowing about the deadline.
My Math course has 12 assignments. I divide the assignments into 4 parts. Assignments 1, 2, and 3 are due by a certain date. 4, 5, and 6 are due by a certain date, etc. If the assignments are not completed by the due date a 20% late penalty is applied. This goes for discussion questions as well. In spite of this I STILL have students who wait until the last day or two to submit ALL of their assignments. I also have students who are smart enough to figure out exactly how much they have to do to just barely pass the course. So they may get 90% on their quizzes and assignments and not do a SINGLE discussion question and still pass. The burden of all the last minute grading, and the fact that they think they are so smart has prompted me to consider increasing the late penalty percentage!
Aundrea,
I find for many of our students deadlines are for everyone but the individual. I finally said I will not take late work. It was a wakeup call. I try to develop a reasonable calendar. I also find I have to also meet the deadline and get papers back to them.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Deadlines are the only means to help the procrastinator make an effort to submit work in a timely manner. However, I find that some students either are not mindful of the deadlines or simply ignore the deadlines. I've started to issue warnings regarding late work early in the term (i.e. week 1 and 2). My hope is that this will help reinforce what I made known on day one of the class. I also send progress reports at the mid-point of the term. Some students will correspond with me and comply; however, I find some students will fall by the wayside. It is unfortunate, but we can only help those who help themselves. I will grant extensions as necessary where needed; however, there are limitations based on the policy I post on day one of the class. Sticking to the class expectations as outlined in the beginning of the class is absolutely necessary.
Kevin,
I agree to a point. The time and place are already the student's choosing but there should be expectations on engagement and deadlines.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Online learning is different than in the classroom. We must remember that the student is online for a reason and we must be flexible to their situation.
Beverly,
I agree with you. You have to set expectations and hold students to that expectations. I have started creating Outlook calendars for students and push them out to them. They can put them in their phones and computers and print. This does seem to help with their planning.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
krystal,
Thank you for sharing your strategies. When you set your expectations you have to hold students accountable. It is important to continually communicate those expectations.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Although asynchronous learning allows students to work at a time that is most convenient for them, their should be absolute deadlines for specific work. For example, it a new module is posted on Monday they may work on it at any time during the week but must have assignments in by the following Sunday at midnight or receive no credit for the assignment. By allowing students an adequate amount of time to work but giving a specific assignment deadline, the procrastination is limited. If your policy is clearly stated and they receive no credit for a late assignment, the students will likely get the assignments in on time going forward.
I have this problem as well. I use a "course information" page that lets students know what to do, and what to expect, if you are late or miss an assignment. There is a point deduction and my comments and replies are missing. I find that students who want feedback and coaching will get their assignments in (or let me know if it might be late) and other students just turn it in late. It does save me some time and they don't want my comments anyway.
Ra'kia,
I know may instructors who will not take work online. They set the expectation of no credit and hold to that. It does work but many don't feel comfortable about that. You must set the expectations and hold them to it. It may be as simple as creating a calendar to help students plant their time. It can such a challenge when the course itself may only be five weeks.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson