What is the best way to have students make up work when they are absent? Especially when it is group work or activities done during class.
Hi @andersonk,
Welcome to the forum! It is definitely frustrating when students miss class. I also think every teacher and even every school has different philosophies on how to handle missing work. Here are some ideas I have and that I use but it doesn’t mean that they would work for everybody:
- I might excuse the work if it isn’t necessary for them to move forward in the curriculum. For example, the group work in Unit 1 that teaches the Problem Solving Process can be summarized quickly by reviewing the diagram of the Problem Solving Cycle. BUT the work in Unit 2 or 3 builds on itself so they would need to figure out how to complete those activities. I give them extra time to complete as homework once they are back in school or during a homeroom period if that is possible.
- I will often give a grade for the practice lessons if they can show me on a more summative unit that they learned the skill. For example, in Unit 2 HTML, if they missed some of Unit 3 (Headings and Lists) but are able to show in Unit 4 (mini-project) that they can implement a heading and list, I will give grades for the missing work OR excuse the missing work.
- It is difficult if not impossible to make-up group work. If they need to learn the content to move on, I will adjust the assignment so that works to be completed on their own.
These are my initial thoughts. I hope others will also respond with their ideas.
~Michelle
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