Not a very big one. I think it should be there to boost everyone's grade a little but it should really be extra work and students should go above and beyond to get it.
Michael,
I take the premise students are in my class to learn and I am there to teach. To give away unearned points that don't measure learning just seems unfair to students who diligently work hard for their grades. For me, I just chose not to give it (and my institution does not promote the notion either).
Barry Westling
Extra credit is assigned and given only at the discretion of the instructors. Extra credit assignments and activities are optional and every student is eligible to participate. A maximum of 50 extra points may be earned during any one term or quarter is the standard at my college. The 50 points will really not be of help to any student who is not doing all their work. I personally don't like extra credit, because some students try to manipulate the instructors by not competing their class assignments and want to use it as opportunity to get points.
But i think if extra credit points are to be given at all the points must very low and students must complete all required assignments and tests in order to earn the extra credit points.
Lynn,
Good point. This is a soft skill, but is as important as any other skill learned in a class and designed to be practiced in the work setting. Consistently late submissions at work will lead to a short employment experience!
Barry Westling
April,
I'm with you. There are a lot of reasons, but in the end, I choose not to go there.
Barry Westling
I am not a fan of extra credit. I have a student population that struggles with getting the assigned material completed in a timely manner. This is not because they are being given too much work. It has to do with taking responsibilty for getting the work one on time and using the time management suggestions I provide to them. What I have observed in my classes is that when I am consistant with the the schools policy regarding assigned work( if homework not on time = 20 pts from practical grade)the students beging to realize part of being successful is completing work on time.
I just don't do it. I feel like it's opening up a can of worms.
Belinda,
Many instructors and institutions feel as you do. Raising grades through weak assignments with little instructional value simply to beef up a grade is not helpful to anyone, especially the potential employer who may have to find this out the hard way.
Barry Westling
I feel it should not factor in at all. Extra credit is only giving them a chance to improve their grade. If a student realizes an instructor is going to give extra credit then they are not going to try as hard because they can make it up.
Kim,
Taking the easy way out is a choice many students will take if that option is given to them. My belief is if information is important, students must master it to earn a grade. Artifically raising grades when students are deficient only diminishes the value of the content being presented.
Barry Westling
I dont think it should play a very big roll, we dont want students to depend on extra credit.. most will do extra credit rather then study for thier exams.
Brian,
For me, training students is preparation for the work setting and I like to model my class policies as an employer might. Therefore, since a worker is not rewarded for being on time or maintaining good attendance, I choose not to give it for that reason as well. However, it makes sense to dock students for frequent tardiness, punctuality or absences.
Barry Westling
At our school their is only one way for extra credit and that is thru attendence. Welding is some thing that is a time based learning curve. Hopefully the more you practice the better you can get.
