This site is a class blog space for new Career and Technical Specializations and Heathcare Science teachers enrolled in the New Teacher Institute (NTI) at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Friday, October 31, 2008
No Work?!?!?!?!
One of the issues that I am having, actually this isn't new, but students not turning in work. Especially with projects that we work on, and sometimes spend days in the media center, but no visual work is produced. I have tried having students journal, initial areas of completion, reporting the status of their project, and trying to follow up with them frequently, only to have them say, "I don't have it". I would much rather a student turn in incomplete work or SOMETHING, rather than nothing at all. This tells me the student believes their time in the media center or time in the classroom was completely uneventful and useless. I think this goes back to their perception of consequences too because at the end of the grading period they are asking why their grade was so low. I recently gave a student a generous extension of time to complete a project, in front of her mother no less, and she still did nothing. I know this goes back to work ethic, professionalism, productivity, etc. But how can I instill in students the importance of completing tasks?
We all struggle with this. Kids now just don't take to much serious. I gave a project, most of the kids did the work but waited to the last minute to complete it. You try to allow classtime so it is not so much for them to do at home but many still don't take advantage of it. This is all to common, it starts at home with structure and expectations. There are some students that really understand the importance of a good education!!!!
ReplyDeleteHi, Teresa - I would like to address one issue you mentioned and that is students asking at the end of the grading period why their grade was so low. Students should know at any time what their grade is, and have a good understanding of the grading system as well.
ReplyDeleteGrades are usually a great motivator for most students, unfortunately too many students are unrealistic about how to improve their grade, and many believe that last minute activities and complaining may raise their grade or lower what is expected. Giving them regular and realistic feedback to graded assignments and what their current overall grade is may help them realize that their wasted class time is really hurting them.
Of course some students may always need prodding to keep them focused and on task, but make sure they all know how the grading system works and what their current grade is at any given time.
Teresa, I too question why our students do not see the importance in completing assignments in a timely manner. Students have told me that they do not do homework yet they expect a passing grade. I don't know the answer. I agree with Dr. M. in giving the quick feed back about grades and their standing but I struggle with grading all those papers and (26 and 27 students per class).
ReplyDeleteWe can only keep a good attitude about our jobs and continue to stress the importance of following through on all tasks
assigned. "Sooner or later" the reality of completing tasks will manifest itself to our students especially when they enter the job market and become parents!