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An Incomplete Experience | 7 comments (7 topical, 0 hidden)
[new] Sign on the dotted line (5.00 / 1) (#3)
by chawne on Fri Feb 13, 2004 at 04:41:40 AM PDT

After a couple of disappointing experiences with incompletes, I found it helpful to draw up a contract with the student and make him sign it. The contract contains things like: the reason for the incomplete, my list of the requirements for completion of the course, the final date by which all of the course requirements must be completed, and the student's proposed course of action. Usually, I find it best to specify due dates on each remaining task and set the appointment times for discussion of material--all in the contract. The goal here is to put loads of structure onto an amorphous situation.

If the student is making a good-faith effort to fulfill the contract, then I'll allow certain deviations later; but it seems that you have to be a stern enforcer at first to get the right attitude going. Writing up the contract with the student allows him to think that he has a hand in determining his fate, which does wonders for instilling guilt if things don't work out as planned.



An Incomplete Experience | 7 comments (7 topical, 0 hidden)
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