One of the biggest issues with students completing work is this belief that a few assignments missed here or there "don't make that much of a deal." After all, "I don't know" or "I don't get it" and the quitting attitude is easy to give in to. However, the first table shows how the impact of zeros can add up over a 10 assignment span. The thought is, "if I do half my work, I can still pass." Even assuming the student is able to earn a 100 percent on the other half, that clearly is not the case.
The second table demonstrates the power of completing some of the assignment. Though the student may not feel they know the material, completing even a "D" level on the assignment makes a huge difference in the student's ability to earn an "above average" grade. The table demonstrates that if a student can do well on half of their work and makes the effort on the other half that an 80/B is still achievable. Something is better than nothing.
