I appreciate this post and the article, particularly given that I'm now in my usual end-of-the-semester hair-pulling state regarding chronic latecomers and absentees. Having no attendance policy, having a mild policy, and having an extensive policy covering nearly all permutations of and reasons for lateness or missed classes all lead to the same frantic state of mind. I’ve often imagined, but never implemented, an assignment that asks students to compose “good excuses” and then justify them—and then argue against the excuses based on a particular attendance policy.

Mike,
This morning, at my 9 AM class, there were 3 out of 20 in class at 9:00. So I said, "Pop quiz! Take out a blank sheet of paper and write down your name and your favorite color. It's worth 5 points." I collected the three pages and started teaching. I got through an entire board's worth of material before there were more people in the room. At the end of class, right before I dismissed them, I collected the homework that was due (which I normally collect at the beginning of the hour) and mentioned that I gave a quiz at 9:00 that you could not make up if you were late.

I'll bet there are a lot more people in the room at 9:00 on Monday...

Joshua

Bill: I totally empathize! Thanks for posting. I especially liked your justification assignment...I might try something along those lines. Good idea.

Josh: Only THREE were on time?! Sheesh! The weather (and sleep) can be our greatest enemies sometimes. Glad you tried the pop quiz approach -- it's not mean, it's about accountability.