Rethinking Penalties for Late Work: The Case for Flexibility, Equity, and Support.

The article discusses the idea of implementing flexible deadlines for student assignments in higher education settings. It addresses concerns about potential drawbacks, such as an increase in workload for instructors and the lack of emphasis on personal responsibility. However, the article argues that these concerns are not supported by empirical evidence. It suggests that flexible deadlines can create a more supportive and equitable learning environment, particularly for students facing barriers such as disabilities or external obligations. The article also highlights the potential benefits of flexible deadlines, including increased student success and reduced stress. The author shares their own experience of implementing flexible deadlines in a public health course and concludes that incorporating more flexibility in teaching can support students' success and create a more diverse workforce. [Extracted from the article]