So we have a goal for the next five weeks to have no more than 15 tardies collectively. We’ve already had 7 so far, in just two days, so making our goal of no more than 8 more in 7 class periods might be challenging. We’ve agreed that I’ll have a surprise prize for them if they make the goal, and that they get to roll over to the next five weeks any “unused” tardies. I hope that the motivation will be more not letting each other down than the prize or the roll-overs. When another teacher heard about the “policy” she scoffed. Thinking it was ridiculous not only that 15 tardies were acceptable, but that the class as a whole chose the policy rather than… me? Our class, out of all those in the high school, is designed for the students to take leadership roles. How will they learn what motivates them, and what motivates groups with diverse interests if they don’t try to do these things themselves? If this tardy policy doesn’t work, hopefully it will be a learning experience and they will choose something different for the next 5 weeks. We’re learning by doing for crying out loud! Hey guys- What do you think about the process for deciding on a tardy policy? Did you feel like everyone had a chance to share ideas? Do you think people will be more motivated to be on time now, less motivated, or the same?
I think that it was a great way to decide the policy. If we dont contribute to the decision process, then we are less motived, and enthusiastic to carry it out. I also hope that we will be more motivated to getting to class on time.
I agree with Rosie. People tend to be more involved in something that they helped to create because you set the goal for yourself instead have having one arbitrarily imposed on you. I personally will try very hard not to be tardy at all for the rest of the five weeks (and of course for the rest of the year).
I think that it will work but only after we don’t succeed the first time, which I don’t think is gonna happen. Unless we are collectively more awesome then I’m thinking we are right now. I think it will be an interesting plan to try out, though. That rollover tardy policy is amazing, also. I wonder who thought of that?
hmm…I did like the way it was chosen, but maybe next time we did something we could narrow it down to two options and vote or something. This way worked well too though. I think that now we should make a special effort not to have any lates AT ALL just to prove the scoffing teacher wrong.