Posted by Amy Scherb on Aug 04, 2016; 12:38am
URL: https://nabble.aealearningonline.org/Topic-2-Student-Help-tp3792p5324.html

When Angie approaches me about an extension I would first listen to why she needs an extension in order for her to feel validated.  Second I would praise her for approaching me, letting her know that I am glad that she values her work and wants to ensure that she completes the assignment. I would then pose a series of questions that would guide her into taking responsibility for completing the work on time.  I would ask her if she had read the syllabus and understood the demands of the class.  I would also ask her if she kept some type of calendar or followed the announcements I had posted in order to stay on top of the due dates.  In addition I would inform her that I had noticed earlier that she was beginning to fall behind and had made several attempts with no success to meet with her to create a plan that would allow her to turn her work in on time.  I would hope that these questions would cause her to look at the situation in a way that would cause her to realize her responsibility in the situation, however if she brings up the fact that she doesn’t have access to a computer at home and can’t stay at school late I would help her problem solve. I would ask her about the nights where records showed that she was working on an assignment and see if she could possibly take one or two nights to stay late like she had previously done.  I would also suggest that she create a study group or look into using computers at a public library.  If these options still don’t work I would tell her that I could look at altering some of my assignments so she can complete them without a computer. I could also look into the possibility of her responding to form posts on a phone instead of a computer. Overall I would not give her an extension unless this is an issue that the majority of my students are facing, rather I would support her efforts in completing her work on time. If in fact the majority of my students are having issues in completing the work on time I would reflect on the demands I have given my students to see if there are any adjustments I could make in the time frame, quantity, and delivery of the work. Within my reflection I may make some changes that would allow my students to still access a depth of learning in a way that is more conducive with the demands their schedules.