If I were the Principal of EDM310 and you were the teachers, what would I do if 19% (30 out of 162) of you did not show up for work this morning? That is similar to the situation I face today in looking at the count I get every Monday morning on how many EDM310 students did not do their Blog Assignments due at midnight on Sunday. Can I find enough substitutes? Can I open the school anyway?
No. I have a better idea. I'll create a Google form and survey Coach Jones, Coach Saban, Coach Chizic and all the coaches I can think of. I'll ask: What would happen if a member of your team did not show up for a game? for practice? for a scheduled press outing? Then I'll apply the same approach in EDM310.
What do you think of that? Fair enough? The right approach?
Underneath this question is another: What does a teacher need to do to inculcate in his or her students an understanding that if you are preparing to be a professional you need to fulfill your responsibilities including doing your work on time?
Of course, the students who read this post are the ones, most likely, that will have arrived on time. They will be covering the classes of the absentees. So I guess it's appropriate to ask them about this situation. Thanks to those of you who did arrive on time, did do your Blog Assignment #5 by midnight last night.
Leave me a comment.
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Coach Saban may have more of a physical approach to punishment. You need someone who can reprimand intellectually. I won't give you any ideas because I have been one of those few late teachers in these past weeks. But I don't mind being a substitute...as long as it's not for biology.
ReplyDeleteNo biology assignment for Talisa. I'll remember that!
ReplyDeleteIf it were Coach Saban, I'm sure there would be a "nice" lecture and then you would pay for it on the practice field the next week! Not sure that's the type of punishment needed in this situation, but maybe you could look into the individuals and reprimand for them and not the group as a whole! Just a thought!
ReplyDeleteIf it were Coach Saban I would think there would be running, running, and maybe some more running. It is way too hot for all that so I will just try and turn my stuff in on time! I am not the athletic type.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you could a student of the month, I know some schools have a teacher of the month! That might be fun! Positive Reinforcement!
I will admit. This news is a bit disappointing but should motivate these "out of shape" teachers to get the work done on time. If you don't get your work done on time, how do you expect to tell your students to? If you don't attend practice, how do you think you will perform in the game? No one is perfect, but getting your work done quickly and efficiently is a good habit to get into. I'm sure Coach Saban would agree. ROLL TIDE ROLL!
ReplyDeleteI don't know what to tell you Dr. Strange. I want to learn as much as I can from this class and I am enjoying the assignments. I hate being late so hopefully I will NEVER be on your "late list".
ReplyDeleteWell, The Nick Saban way would be to throw a headset and get super angry, so personally I would prefer a more reasonable approach, like the Chizic way.
ReplyDeleteI have a proposal. How about we as the students write a blog post from a teacher's point of view on why completing work on time is so important, not for a grade but for learning.
I have been on that late list once or twice and sometimes I seem to have a hard time completing everything for that week. I'm not sure if it's because the online class is new for me or what, but do you have any pointers that will help?
Being on the "late list" is motivation in itself (or it should be), and this blog post is even more motivation. Future professionals need to be reminded every now and then that they are indeed FUTURE PROFESSIONALS. Late submissions won't look good on the student's part. I know. I've been late once or twice. And not only does one suffer academically, but consciously as well.
ReplyDeleteThis class like life teaches lessons and unfortunately not everyone will get it sir. Even if you hand fed the students who are behind in everything, what happens when or if they get jobs. You will not be able to go to school and help them with their students. You can provide the assignments, offer additional help when requested but in the end if students are not willingly to apply theirselves then as a teacher you must grade them on their effort and lack of effort. If you are not honest with them now, then it is only prolonging the lesson that they must learn in the real world.
ReplyDeleteThis number is shocking! Hopefully this post with motivate the ones who have not done their assignment!
ReplyDeleteDr. Strange, I have to admit it gets a little frustrating when you post the percentages of students not doing their work. We are supposed to be posting on other classmates blogs, but how can we do that when they haven’t done their work. I used to play sports in high school and I know that if you didn’t show up to practice, you would not be playing in the next game. There are consequences for your actions. It gets frustrating when you are supposed to post on a classmates’ blog and they haven’t even done one yet. I don’t understand how some of these students want to become teachers because they are definitely not setting a good example.
ReplyDeleteThe people who arent posting on time are probably never going to see this, and probably never did the extra assignment the other week. So you really dont have to do anything. They are in college, if they don't have enough motivation to do the work then they deserve whatever grade you give them. Also, I am not sure if I am uploading things on google docs correctly, can you let me know if I am doing it correctly or not.
ReplyDeleteHopefully I never make it to the late list... Apparently they didn't understand what you meant by "DO NOT get behind with your work," or maybe they like having to repeat classes!!
ReplyDeleteThis number is quite disappointing. You're right, it is not fair to other students if there is always someone turning assignments in late. I'm not sure how you should go about this situation, but there should be some sort of punishment. Although, there isn't much you can do to students with an online class except give them an extra assignment or something. We are in college now, and we are supposed to be preparing to be professionals. This is not a good way to start off.
ReplyDeleteReading the blog and doing the assignments count just like going to a regular scheduled class. Most classes take roll. If they don't then most teachers will give you the heads up that if you do not come to class, you will miss material that is important for passing the class. You are only given a few absences in each semester, and this class shouldn't be an exception just because it's online. Just like group discussion in a regular class, students in this class rely on their classmates posts so they can comment and get their assignments turned in on time.
We were warned before this class even started this semester that if we didn't have the time or wouldn't make the time, then we didn't need to take this class until we would make the time for it. This would also mean that people had to read their emails to get this memo. I will say, this class did take some transitioning to get in the swing of online class, but we are working on our sixth week of class. I hope these individuals are motivated by the numbers which are in Dr. Strange's post.
Unfortunately, I do not think there is a good solution to this problem. Students who are not completing their work on time are going to be the ones who are suffering. You've said it a thousand times, "You cannot afford to get behind in EDM310." Either students are going to take you, this class, and their desired profession seriously, or they are not. Some of the work required in EDM is needed for fellow students to do their work. If the absentees do not have enough respect for those who need their blog posts to be done, should probably drop the class. Educators will forever be waiting on all students to complete their work on time. Honestly, it will probably never happen. But in this case, the students who are not completing their work, need to either get with the program, or do the responsible thing and quit making other people depend on them if they are not acting very dependable.
ReplyDeleteI can not believe the number of students who have not posted. Not only are they hurting themselves, but they are also making it difficult for those of us who need to post on their blog. I sure hope this post motivates people who are late, I know I would feel guilty if this were aimed at me. No offense, but I sure hope that 19% get their act together before, if and when, they become teachers because if not our youth will suffer.
ReplyDeleteYou'll only have to hire a sub for me until I get the hang of things.
ReplyDeleteSorry I'm commenting so late, but I actually read this comment earlier today while I was in the office at work but I wasn't able to comment at that time. Well I must admit that being on the late list motivates you to become better organized with your time and ask more and more questions to get yourself back on track if need be. I say this because for the first couple of assignments I was late due to me being confused and with the passing of my father I never thought I would get back on track, but after sitting down and really putting forth the effort to read and understand, I was back on schedule in no time, and still is! So I think that you should have your subs ready (not for the late birds) just in case you need them, because I honestly feel that we have gotten pretty far in this semester and you have given us many warnings to where the people that are constantly being late, in my opinion, really aren't serious about learning new things or becoming a great educator.
ReplyDeleteI am quite shocked at the number of teachers who did mot "show up". I know that a co-worker of my mom's (she's a teacher) was just fired today for being late/not showing up numerous times, but I don't know how someone can be "fired" in this situation.
ReplyDeleteI will say that I LOVE all the BAMA fans who have commented, ROLL TIDE!
Oh, and GO JAGS of course!!!
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ReplyDeleteOh and Roll Tide!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat does a Teacher need to do in order to teach children the importance of being on time with assignments? Be on time themselves, be available to the students you are teaching. How would they learn this foundation without seeing it lived out in their teacher. I deal with this in my home on a daily basis with my three kids. How can I expect greatness from them if they are not seeing it in me? What kindof Teacher would you want teaching your kids? Something to think about.
ReplyDeleteSome responses:
ReplyDeleteKate H. Good idea. Student of the Month!
carriet: "I have a proposal. How about we as the students write a blog post from a teacher's point of view on why completing work on time is so important, not for a grade but for learning." Excellent idea. It will happen! Pointers? Use an organizer for your time. If you really do allocate 9 hours a week to EDM310 you will never be late.
Ms. Miller: Good point: I used to let them go their merry way. Now I try and remind them their merry way may not be so merry!
Sarah Pierce: I also get frustrated when students do not do their work on time. After 46 years of teaching I still get frustrated and try new approaches. You are absolutely correct when you wonder how they will become good teachers! I wonder to.
Cassandra Steele Thanks!
Tabitha Sexton Maybe it will motivate them. I wanted everyone to think about the issue because I guarantee you will face it as a teacher. And if I some people moving again, all the better! Thanks.
jessicahadaway You are correct. Brick walls are there to see how badly you want to get over them. You will hear this soon in a video you will watch. Thanks! And your third comment should be read by everyone. I'll quote it here: "What does a Teacher need to do in order to teach children the importance of being on time with assignments? Be on time themselves, be available to the students you are teaching. How would they learn this foundation without seeing it lived out in their teacher. I deal with this in my home on a daily basis with my three kids. How can I expect greatness from them if they are not seeing it in me? What kindof Teacher would you want teaching your kids? Something to think about. "
Thanks to all for your comments!
Honestly Dr. Strange, you did warn us in the beginning that we would be required to spend 9 hours a week in homework for your class. I took that seriously and evaluated my schedule to see if I could meet the requirements for your course. Everyone should have done the same. You will always have students who don't do their work, but I appreciate your continuous efforts to motivate and encourage those who are not doing their work. I know that you try to treat us like adults, but some students will still act like high-schoolers.
ReplyDeleteIt is true there would not be enough subs. We would have to combine the classes which would just put more work on those of us who are doing as we are suppose to do. It is not that the work is extremely hard and it is not like there are right or wrong answers. Yes it takes a while but it is honestly worth it.
ReplyDeleteI have not been intentionally late, but I have been late on an assignment. I was also late one time due to a technology malfunction. By the way, I read this post the first day it was posted. However I am just now making a comment.
ReplyDeleteActually, you shouldn't do anything Dr. Strange. Because this course is required for graduation, the worst thing you can do is "walk them through it". They won't be teachers until they're mature enough or willing enough to complete their assignments on time. Natural Selection in action.
ReplyDeleteAs a student who formerly had trouble getting assignments in on time, all I can say is that the student has to make it a priority on their own. Mitch is right Dr. Strange, nothing you could/should do.
ReplyDeleteThere is really nothing else you can do. I think these people will realize once they see their final grade that they need to try harder the next time the take this class ;)
ReplyDeleteAll you can say is what you have already said. It's their choice to listen and do it, or not do it and "learn" the hard way by repeating the class. Hopefully if that does happen, they can get their act together and you won't have to deal with their lack of work again during another semester!
This number is schocking. It makes me wonder where the students are?! I keep up with this class and I am always concerned about getting my work in on time. In the real world you have to be on time so you might as well start now! I think you have done more than enough to warn these people. I think I would have gotten the hint if I was one of the "missing teachers".
ReplyDelete"Of course, the students who read this post are the ones, most likely, that will have arrived on time. " HAHAHA That part cracks me up just because you are probably right!!! I do hope that our future teachers become more serious!!!
ReplyDeleteI feel the students who are not posting on time are reflecting their true passion for the children and world we are striving to help. If they can not bother to post an assignment on time, how will it be possible for them to design a curriculum for one or more classrooms of students? Even if they are able to find a position in the field, who knows if they will make an impact on the lives of the children or if they will just sit behind a desk and say, "Shut up, sit down, and read your book". That is what I picture these teachers accomplishing on the job if they can't even fulfill the demands for a class they are paying for. It is disappointing to see the statistics of so many people who seem not to care.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how many students are continuously late with there assignments. I will admit there have been circumstances that came up and I have been late. It teaches me not to wait to the last minute to do my work. If this class was a job, many would be without work. If athletes are late, do not show, etc. they have to do extra excercise. My daughters (cheerleaders) get major demerits for being late, after so many they can't cheer. We have to learn to be responsible adults. After all our goal is to some day have a class full of students of our own. How would we feel if they were slackers in our class?
ReplyDeleteGo Hogs! #justsayin'
ReplyDeleteTo start off, I am one of the late ones that are playing catch up on the assignments..that being said, I do understand when you have to be late because of medical issues. If I was still at Auburn and had Coach Chizik on me, I think he would view things different. As "coaches" in the classroom, we as educators need to lead by example. Me having medical issues and working 40-60 hours a week are all excuses. If I use this in the classroom to justify being late for anything it may set the example that if the "players" are a little late on an assignment, just make up an excuse. School is tough and trying to keep up with it is a difficult thing to accomplish but very doable.
ReplyDeleteOh, and Bill, if you are referring to the Arkansas swine, one set of Bama boys already conquered...see you Oct 16...War Eagle!!!
Chris and others who are sick or have genuine excuses:
ReplyDeleteYou should inform me or some member of the staff when medical issues (or other issues) delay your work. You also need to provide us with a written excuse. Then we can clear the books on you. If you were on the Auburn team, or were were employed and could not show up for work, you would let them know wouldn't you?. Do the same for us. It just takes an email or a telephone call. None of the 30 students who were late contacted us or let us know in any way that they were (or are) ill.
I truly hope to never be on that list! As a professional I feel sorry for the ones that don't get it. They will wake up one day. As an educator, you lead by example! Will some teachers let their student's work be late and think it's ok?
ReplyDeleteI believe the students and teacher should have a very good understanding of late work. It just simply isn't acceptable. This news should be a motivation for "those" teachers to get things done on time. If even the teacher can't seem to do it, what makes you think the students will? It's the same for football. Nick Saban wouldn't put up with it! ROLL TIDE!!
ReplyDeleteI know that I have been one of those teachers in the first couple of weeks. I think for me it was a matter of looking ahead and realizing that even if I don't want to do the work I have to, so I won't have to do it all over again another semester.
ReplyDeleteHmmmm.... I don't know what happens to a football player, but I know what happens to a member of the marching band if they are late or miss practice or a performance... They're out, simple as that.
ReplyDelete