This is SO upsetting...I don't know what to do, can anyone help?

Question

My chemistry teacher sometimes collects homework, but sometimes she doesn't. There was one day where she went over the homework, but I didn't hear the part when she said, "pass up your homework"...if she did. So it turns out she collected the homework, but I got a zero on it because I never turned it in. But the problem is, I DID IT. I spent quite a while on it, and I finished it before the day it was due. I don't know how to explain this to my teacher. What should I do?
The homework is worth a lot of points too.

The main reason this is so upsetting is because I spent a lot of time doing that homework assignment...and it's worth a lot.

Answer 1

I'm a teacher, so I understand how your teacher feels. I rarely allow a student to receive full credit for a homework assignment that is turned in after I collected it. But if a student came to me privately, apologized sincerely, and explained that he/she would be very grateful if I accepted his/her late homework, that would go a long way, and I would probably accept it (though I would give half credit for the lateness, unless some extenuating circumstances were present). A genuine appeal to me would be key. I would be very unresponsive if a student came to me and made excuses or accused me of not saying "pass the homework in" at all.

Answer 2

Hi HPfan! I would agree with the people before me that said you should talk to your teacher. If she says "too bad," at least you learned from the situation--if you're not sure if she wanted the homework, ask. What you could do because the homework is worth a lot, and also to show your teacher your truely a dedicated student, ask if there is another similar assignment you could do for extra credit. This sucks, huh?! Good luck and I hope she lets you turn it in :)

Answer 3

I'm guessing that since you're studying a course such as Chemistry, you're probably in high school. Which means you're old enough to confront your teacher and tell her everything you just wrote. It may not get you points for this homework assignment, but she'll probably change the way she collects homework from now on. If not, you can always turn in your homework whenever you finish it, even before it's due in class!

Answer 4

Talk to her IMMEDIATELY (like tomorrow) - you might be able to get partial credit. I would explain it to her. If she doesn't give you partial credit, ask her if she will consider giving an extra credit assignment to help make up for your grade. Be really careful to turn in assignments in the future - if you do homework always make sure it is ready to turn in. If you have a tendency to forget, keep it on the desk in front of you and ask her directly if you aren't sure if she collected it. Half of the time, teachers just want to know that you actually care about the assignment. If you demonstrate that you are a good student and you care, she might be able to offer something to help you overcome the 0 for your homework.

Answer 5

The best thing to do is either convert your homework if it in MS Word into a PDF or scan your homework into a PDF. Once you have the PDF send it to your teacher no matter what and to yourself. This way, the teacher can see that you are doing it regardless of it is due and if it is due, it is sent to them and you have a record that it was sent to the instructor. Everyone can open a PDF and then there is record just in case you get sick or zone out in class. Always bring a copy to class with you as well.

Answer 6

Explain to the teacher what happened and your situation. Most teachers will give you the 'benefit of a doubt' and allow you to turn your homework in. If she does not...ask her why? If the answer seems 'iffy', let your parents or school counselor know? Unfortunately, there are a few teachers (like other professions) that enjoy the feeling of superiority that they have over others (in your case- students) and take pleasure in misery. Let's hope that your teacher falls under the former.

Good Luck!

Answer 7

I don't know what your teacher is like, but if she seems at all understanding or nice, please approach her and explain what happened. If you're the type of student who tends to turn in their homework, she'll be inclined to believe you. She may take points off, but she probably will still accept the work. Even if she doesn't, ask if there is any alternative assignment you could do to make up for those points. Trust me, teachers aren't made of stone, they want you to do well, and she will help you to solve this problem if you approach her about it (unless she's the wicked witch of the west). If one of my students came up to me with a story like this, I would at least give them partial credit.

Answer 8

well you can only talk to her and if you normally turn your work in and pay attention in class im sure shell understand and still if not see if you can work out a deal were you get half the points (its better than a zero) or do extra homework for the credit. I bet shell understand

Answer 9

Just tell the truth and be honest, if the teacher doesn't accept it then just move on. There's nothing you can do about it unless you want to be a nusance and whine and complain until your mommy shows up and raises cane until the teacher gives way. I wouldn't reccommend doing that because then you're just hated by the teacher.

Answer 10

Talk to her! Teachers are human. She may accept your homework and deduct a penalty because it was handed in late (there is no way you can prove to her that you had it ready to hand in) but even that would be better than zero.