Teaching Reflection #2

Second quarter proved to be a little difficult for my media design class as our first deadline for the yearbook was due in December.  As most students will turn in their work late and might receive partial credit in the class, that is not an option when it comes to meeting a deadline for a product to be produced.  I struggled with how to grade the spreads that were done on time and how to finish the spreads from absent students and turning work in late.  Of course the students who did not get their spreads done on time received points off on the classroom due date, but what about other students who helped pick up the slack for the spreads that were lagging and not complete the week the deadline was up?
I decided to do a rewards system for the next deadline which is coming up in February.  If the spread is due the week of the deadline, those students will be invited into my classroom for lunch and have dessert on me.  I will just send an email to those students and if they choose to come get a treat it will be up to them.  It's almost like a business and your boss is giving a reward for a job well done.   I'm hoping the incentive will help some students be more motivated to get their spread done, but it also helps the other students feel appreciated for a job well done when rewarded with keeping up with responsibilities and meeting dates.