A student today told me that I need to have firmer deadlines. “If you did, we’d all do this work earlier. We all do Mr. Ma’s work on time.” The only reason I have firm deadlines at all is because report cards are due. The whole point of my process is revision – but I probably need to work more on developing that cycle. My response, though, was that he was a few months from going to college – he needs to do work even if the deadline seems so far away, or not important, if he wants to succeed.
I don’t know if the firmness of my deadlines is good or not. I’ve always gotten the sense that overly firm deadlines discourage students from trying when they realize it’s too late. But maybe they realize they need to try before it’s too late because of them? I dunno. Something to think about.
James Cleveland-Tran
The Roots of the Equation 
Comments on: "Deadlines" (2)
Great Question! That is where partial credit comes in. If something is late, it get 7/10. To me this means I honor my deadline, and I honor that you are willing to put forth effort.
I think firmer deadlines are hit or miss. It depends. In general, though, I take your approach. Firm deadlines for me often cause copying/rushing and less learning.