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Narrator: Situation 2: excuses for not meeting due dates or missing tests or exams. An increase
in the number of international students presenting excuses from students missing assignments
and tests are a problem that has been identified by some faculty. As teachers, we are here
to help students learn. When extenuating circumstances arise for students so that they cannot participate
in the learning or assessment processes, teachers are forced into a different mode of thinking.
Instead of thinking as mentors or facilitators, or coaches, teachers must now think as administrators,
it's not a mode most instructors enjoy.
Student: Can I speak to you?
Teacher: Sure, what can I do for you?
Student: The thing is, I don't have my assignment done, my grandmother died in India, and I
was wondering if I could hand it to you later?
Teacher: Oh, I'm very sorry to hear about your grandmother, Jasmeet, please extent my
sympathies to your family. Since we took up the assignment in class today and you've had
the benefit of the review, and the feedback, and the discussion, I will have to give you
a different assignment. It will be wider in scope, and more challenging. To allow for
that, you can hand it in next week; so, one week from today. And please submit it along
with documentation of your grandmother's passing.
Narrator: The new assignment was not unfair, considering the student had the benefit of
the class debrief, access to peers that can share insight into their work after the assignment
deadline, and generally more time to learn and do the work. More work, and harder work
would not be unfair in this situation.
Teacher: Okay, at this point in the Semester, I just want to review with everyone what was
covered at the beginning of the course with regards to missed tests and missed assignments.
So, do recall that we have specific policies and procedures in place if you miss a test
or an assignment, there are specific reasons which are considered valid, and you do need
documentation for missing a test or an assignment. If you don't have valid documentation and
a valid reason for missing a test or assignment, you will receive a grade of zero on that evaluation.
If you do have documentation, you'll be provided with an alternate test or alternate assignment,
it might be more challenging because you will have more time to prepare, but we will arrange
that for you. If you do find yourself making excuses for missing tests, or missing assignments,
I would encourage you to have a look at your organization, at your study habits, at how
things are progressing for you, and see if you can make use of some of the resources
that are available to use.
So, things like peer tutoring, counseling services, speaking with your instructor, speaking
with your program coordinator to get help with those kinds of things. If you miss a
test or an assignment, and you have an excuse that's not real excuse, do remember that lying
is considered academic misconduct, and will also result in a grade of zero, and can progress
as far as consequences for that.
Student: Miss, I did not do my assignment, my grandmother died, can I hand it to you
next week?
Teacher: I'm very sorry, to hear about your grandmother. I believe this is the third time
your grandmother has died this year though. Do remember the policies that we went over
at the beginning of this semester with regards to missed assignments. Why don't you meet
me in my office after class, and we can discuss this.
Student: Okay.
Narrator: Some students use the excuse of bereavement many times over. It is important
not to get into mind games with your students.
Student: Hi Miss!
Teacher: Hi!
Student: Miss, a family member died back home and I did not study for the test, can I write
it tomorrow?
Teacher: You know the rules with regards to missing a test and not writing it at the scheduled
time with all of the other students. You can write it tomorrow if you have documentation
you can provide me. It will be a long answer test, so a different format from what the
students will be receiving today.
Student: But miss...
Teacher: Those are your options.
Student: Okay I'll write it today.
Narrator: Be clear at the beginning of the semester about the consequences or missing
due dates, tests or exams. Make sure that the students are aware of the classroom policy
regarding late submissions or missing test or exam dates. Review organization and time
management skills with students. Refer to counseling services, program coordinators
or instructors for help. Emphasize with students that lying is considered to be an academic
misconduct and results in a grade of zero. Do not get into mind games with your students.
Be consistent, but fair and firm.