Comments on: 40 Days: 031010-D22.0

By: cara

cara — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 15:47:30 +0000

I agree with Michelle’s comment and was glad you clarified that the student was getting a lower grade for handing the paper in late.
I was going to comment, though, on your comment about people not wanting to say they are “religious” and I think it has much to do with right-wing, ultra-conservative christian groups (and even the roman catholic church with all its pronouncements on what is good and evil, acceptable and unacceptable). The term “religious” has become synonymous with “judgmental” and implies an adherence to a set of beliefs that inherently makes others’ beliefs wrong (or evil). “Spirituality” does not have that connotation; quite the opposite, in fact. It implies that one is open and seeking answers for oneself.
I think there is a difference between a religious christian and a spiritual christian; the former follows a literal interpretation of christian dogma without thinking and the latter views it all as literature/philosophy and interprets its meaning for himself.

By: rusvw

rusvw — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 23:23:07 +0000

Good thoughts, Michele. And I must apologize for leaving out so many details in this little story. I hope this clarifies a few things.
1. There are consequences for turning in papers late, and she is not immune to receiving a lower grade because of turning it in late.
2. She did email me, which is why I thought that I had forgotten the paper; however, she was emailing me about being late with the paper. Unfortunately, I was just looking for emails with attachments when I downloaded other student papers.

My comments about admonishing, closing doors, and making her feel badly all refer to how I reacted to the situation personally. If the punishment is already in place (which affects her overall grade on the paper), why do I need to further punish her by demonstrating anger or disappointment toward her? I’m sure she felt enough embarrassment being the only person who didn’t receive a paper back.

I hope that helps clarify the point I was trying to make. I think too many teachers take it upon themselves to “parent” the students by using anger or disappointment. Part of the learning process is making mistakes and moving on. We don’t need to add emotional reactions to simple things like late papers or missed assignments. Certainly, our students are not missing these papers on purpose or with malice or ill will. I can save those emotional reactions when students make poor choices intentionally.

Thanks again, Michele. I always welcome your responses and appreciate your insight.

By: michele p

michele p — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:46:28 +0000

Hmmmm this one has me thinking… not the second part of your message (which is great btw)… but the first part.
My dilemma is: is it fair for someone to hand in their work when every other student handed theirs in on time? Is it acceptable that someone misses a deadline by 2 weeks without any communication prior to that time? Are we then teaching the student its ok to be late and disregard deadlines and not have any accountablility?
I am in no way saying tar and feather this student… mistakes happen and things are sometimes forgotten. But deadlines etc are the responsibility of the student. Doesnt seem like any explaination was offered to you and why wait 2 weeks before communicating this delay with you? A quick email would have resolved things. Most professors I dont believe would have been as understanding as you. You asked “Who am I to admonish her for being late? What gives me the power to close doors, to make her feel badly about turning in the paper late?” You are her teacher! I am glad things worked out and that she felt good about herself to participate etc.. and I agree she may not have done that if during the class she had her mind on the late paper (I dont know- depends on her personality and type of student she is) but you also cant loose site of individual responsibilities and consequences for our actions.