Hearing again about a student who has just failed the first marking period in school, due to not turning in work, has almost hit epidemic proportions. This was a challenge for many students as soon as computers became part of the classroom. The move to remote learning has added considerably to the problem.
I was recently told by a parent of a straight A student, who failed for the 1st time, that 30% of her child’s grade level in a middle school failed the first marking period - Unacceptable.
Here are some ideas for lessening that work turn in problem. I am just ‘spit balling’ here. If you have an idea be sure to add it in the comments.
Students Can:
- Create a screensaver that says TURN IN YOUR WORK! HAVE YOU TURNED IN YOUR WORK TODAY? SUBMIT DON’T QUIT! GIVE YOUR TEACHER THEIR HOMEWORK!!
- If they have a phone they can set a reminder on that.
- They can buddy up with a friend to remind each other.
- Use Post It Notes around their work space.
- If possible link a sound to the submit button (Technology is not my love language)
- Use a wipe board with all assignments listed by day - when it is submitted it is erased or ‘X’ out.
Parents Can:
- Ask to see the submitted work.
- Learn how to use the schools reporting system.
- Check the teacher reporting system DAILY.
- Set a reminder on your phone/watch.
- Use Post It Notes around your work space.
- Ask to see the submitted work.
Teachers Can:
- Make sure that every parent understands how to check digitally on their student.
- Send a Bcc email to parents simply stating ‘Your child is missing work’ daily -
please check Canvas, Google Classroom, whatever. - If you work in a team have one person a day that sends the Bcc email.
- Play music and have a virtual dance party while assignments are being handed in.
- Give time during class to work on homework. Have them submit what they have done before they leave.
- Have the student’s create a HW RAP they can perform while collecting assignments.
- Give BREAKS at the beginning, middle and end of every class.
Endless screen time is so draining. Let’s be kind to each other-working together we can make
this work.
Be sure to post what is working for you in the comments.