Why don't students follow the instructions given by the teacher on research papers?

Question

If the teacher says, you must have 4 sources and include footnotes and a bibliography, and it must be 8-10 pages, then why do some students turn in a paper without a bibliography, without footnotes, and not anywhere near the 8-10 pages?

What could a professor do to see that students follow the instructions?

Answer 1

Whenever I assign a paper, I make sure to spend some class time going over the requirements for the paper. I usually include a hand-out with examples of what is acceptable and what is not acceptable in terms of how to cite a reference, how to construct an argument, etc. I also set consequences and explain the consequences ahead of time for not following through--ie I will take off 10 points for every page under the minimum. After that, it's up to them to follow through.

Answer 2

Why stop there? Why not let people with good driving records speed, as they obviously know how to drive well. It is an issue of everyone being equal under the "law". In this instance, the rules are that homework is assigned for part of the grade and everyone must complete it for the grade. Also take this into consideration. Suppose each homework assignment is worth 10 points and there are 25 homework assignments in a semester. Tests and quizes are another 250 points total. So basically 50/50 exams and homework. Now assume there are 5 kids in the class and some of the brighter kids granted optional homework did some. Student 1 has 430 of 500 total points (aced tests but only did some homework Student 2 has 250 of 500 total points (because they did no homework but aced tests) Student 3 has 250 of 500 total points (did all homework but got poor scores all semester) Student 4 has 430 of 500 total points (did all assignments and well on tests) Student 5 has 250 of 500 total points (aced the tests but failed the homework) How would the teacher determine what grade each student earns? Based on total possible points 3 kids would fail, although two are arguably really smart at test time. Would the teacher need to assess each student based on only the total attempted points of each student? If they have 30 kids per class and 7 classes, they would have to assign grades on 210 different individualized point scales to determine letter grades. Take that against 1 system of a singular number of possible points for all students and it is clear why they wouldn't do it. Also, it is possible for a student to get tipped off to the answers on a test, and while they might have somebody else do their homework for them, it is usually a good regulator to identify that a student's performance is relatively consistent when they are working the problems in both manners.

Answer 3

First, make sure that following the instructions is necessary. What is the purpose of your assignment? What's your objective? Can the student reach that objective in under eight pages or without footnotes? Whatever your instructions are, make sure they are necessary to support your education purpose behind the assignment; otherwise, you are teaching about instructions and not your curriculum.

(Personally, I think a bibliography is vital and should be required. But if a student can make a solid argument in 6 pages, isn't that more efficient use of words than the same argument in 10 pages and therefore better?)

For those instructions that are necessary, take time to teach them to the students. Ensure they understand what is asked of them. I'd even go so far as to give a practice essay where you can rip them apart on instructions, grammar, support for their thesis, etc. but not destroy their grade or motivation.

If they still don't follow instructions on the paper, don't grade it. Hand it back to them and say it's incomplete because it's incorrectly formatted. Don't take points away from their grade because the grade is supposed to measure their mastery of the subject matter, not their ability to follow instructions.Yes, that's important but getting an F on a US History 101 paper should only mean one thing--the student didn't display knowledge of US History.

Answer 4

Some will not do it unless you hold their hand the entire way. Some will not do it because you may have a reputation for letting them get away with it. Some will not do it because they don't care.

Fail them. Do not back down. Fail them and give them a chance to redo the paper and maybe make a C. Let them know now that you are serious about this and maybe next time they will follow all directions. I had some teachers in college who would fail the paper if the cover sheet was done incorrectly.

Answer 5

Because very few educational institutions hold students accountable for actually doing all their work, as assigned. This, of course, bears no resemblance to real life.

As attendance and graduation/promotion rates impact how much money schools receive from the state/fed government, it doesn't "pay" to hold the students to any standard at all... except, of course, the standardized tests... which are a complete joke.

The students are just playing the system because we've built a system that encourages it. They've made an art form out of graduating with the lowest overall grade point average.

Answer 6

Either the students did not pay attention to the instructions, or they didn't know how to do them.

To address the first problem, the teacher can clearly tell the students what the paper will be graded on beforehand (say, by providing a rubric to the students). To address the second problem, the teacher can model how this is to be done.

Answer 7

Students dont follow directions because they either dont care or dont forget. To make them do a bibliography, have them turn it in early so you know its done. Also have sample footnotes due early so they know what a footnote is. Other than that and tell them over and over, theres no way. Students are students. Just do your best and make sure they pay attention.

Answer 8

Let me guess you are a teacher and your students always try to turn in the minimum work.
I also take it you are a relatively new teacher seeing as you are asking this question, either that or over the years you have gotten so fed up with it but never knew what to do.
I don't think there is anyway you can ensure that they do it, they will get the grade they worked for. You could try saying it in a entertaining way or better yet keep repeating it. make it clear what you want, and it is necessary to have it written down, in a siylabus would be good, or better yet some sort of assignment guidline sheet.
I am actually a student myself.

Answer 9

Well maybe increase the number of pages from 8-10 to 10-12 so then the students will write as much as possible and write up to 8-10... same with the biblio, also tell them that if they don't then they will be expelled from school and prosecuted for plagarism.
good luck

Answer 10

Take points off for students that do not follow instructions. I am an adjunct and that is what I do. It has really started to help. I am getting more students following the directions closely than at the beginning of the term.