Unfortunately, there are many teachers who share this kind of mindset. They feel they need to penalize the student, usually by withholding marks, when work is handed in late.
The reality is, "the reason for not handling in the work (is) as different as the students themselves" (pg C29, Assessment of Student Achievement). So as teachers, we need to take into consideration students' lives outside of the classroom.
As a current student myself, I understand this balance between school and home life all too well. There are times when personal obligations pop up unexpectedly, conflicting with assignment due dates. It has always taken the pressure off knowing my instructors understand these obligations, and are willing to be flexible on due dates.
This mindset is the one I will adopt as a teacher. I have no problem extending due dates, based on external factors which come up unexpectedly. My only conditions are that the extension of due dates do not become habitual, and that the student lets me know when they do, instead of waiting until the day the assignment is due to ask for an extension.
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