Students are stealing completed assignments right out of my classroom's turn-in bin and copying them as their own, then destroying the original assignments. Can anyone think of a solution to this ridiculous new problem? I don't remove assignments from my turn-in bin after every hour, but I suppose I'll have to start doing so.
I've had it happen before. The only solutions are to 1) keep the bin at your desk so that you can monitor what goes in and ensure that nothing comes out, and 2) empty it out after every period.
Use a box that you get when ordering something. Cut a slit on the top for papers to slide into. You can get the papers out by opening the bottom
Good ideas. Also, for a week or two, you MAY want to make a big production out of collecting homework from each individual student at the start of class or, if it's classwork, as soon as the allotted time to complete the assignment is up. You don't have to do it all the time, but I've seen that sometimes kids do these types of things because they think the teacher is too dumb to realize. They really think they are getting over on us so show them that they are not.
I've seen in many "teacher" catalogs, lock boxes for submission. Some have multiple slots for different periods.
Is this elaborate of a solution worth doing, do you think? I've moved my turn-in bin to the counter next to my desk, and created a system to empty it out after every hour. I suppose there's still a way for students to steal if they're really set on it, but it should eliminate most of the problem. The other thing I didn't mention before is students stealing the "no name" assignments I post on the bulletin board, and claiming them as their own. Not sure what I can do to stop that, though.
Code: I had such a problem with this last year, that I started making students bring up a set of written notes with them when they claimed papers so I could compare writing. I was on the brink of just throwing away any without names because I had a group of freshmen who would try this and claim "I'm just kidding!" when caught.
Unless it is a test or major assignment (or I can identify the handwriting) I toss all no name papers. I'm sorry but I don't have time for that at the HS level.
I hate dealing with issues like this even though it's a very real problem you encounter while teaching. I guess when it comes down to it, if a student wants to fail, at least do it In a way that doesn't take anyone else down with you. That means you can refuse to do the work as long as you don't talk. And in your case, don't do the work but at least don't sabotage someone else's. It irks me to no end.
