Why are College Students so Ill Prepared?

How does a quarter to a third of students achieve "mostly A's" when they rarely do their homework and assignments due for class? The answer lies in the fact they can get away with this. When you do a homework assignment does your teacher ask you to turn it in or connect it to part of your overall grade? Rarely. They simply say this is for your benefit and it will hurt you if you do not do the assignment or reading. This does not encourage but does not enforce the principles students built their high school and middle school years on. Do your assignments, receive credit and boost your grade. Why would a student getting adjusted to college or enjoying the last year they have as a college student do work that does not count against them? There is no reward system in college. Whether you do your assignments or not does not count for you but does not count against you. In turn, this counters less studying and less effort the student needs to put in to get those grades that are at least satisfactory, if not A's.

So, the real question is how can not only faculty but students become inspired to work harder, study longer and do those assignments? I believe the answer lies in the teachers curriculum. If the teacher gives "rewards" or grades for those assignments or readings, the student will be more likely to come to class prepared with their assignment done. If the teacher connects those assignments to tests, quizzes or projects that count for a large part of their grade, the student will be more likely to study their material for the amount of time needed. Instead of just discussions being held; students need to be tested on the material they are supposed to have completed. Students choose their own destiny and their grades should reflect the work in which they have done.