Aaron,
If students want to demonstrate their knowledge above and beyond what is required, there may be value in that instance. Points to raise a grade is not valuable, in my opinion.
Barry Westling
I've noticed in the past, that when EC was given (on projects, not on exams), that most of the time the students that wanted/needed it chose not to do it, and that the students already in good standing were the likely ones to complete the EC.
Kenneth,
Small percentages seem okay, but I prefer to emphasize the merits of extra credit assignment, and diminish the emphasis on points. If points are needed to raise a grade, that usually suggests there are gaps in understanding that points alone are not going to correct.
Barry Westling
none. we are not allowed to give extra credit assignments.
I do believe that it could have a place in grading, but limited to no more than 5%.
Brian,
Fairness in grading often complicates the extra credit debate. It's usually easier to just avoid the issue and choose not to give it.
Barry Westling
Extra credit should be avoided. If a student comes to me with an idea about something we are discussing in class I may let him/her submit the idea and, present it to the class for extra credit.
Jerrod,
What is true is EC can challenge students and provide a way to demonstrate their learning above and beyond what has been required. Unfortunately, giving points too often is excessive, and the grade is skewed to the point that it no longer accurately conveys the learning that occurred.
Barry Westling
Imelda,
EC can be a boost but can also be used inappropriately by assigning too much weight and skewing grades.
Barry Westling
It should have a very small role.
Extra credit should be given as an option to ALL students no matter what their current grade is. Extra credit should be designed for students to do special assignments in the content area that challenge them in all areas. IT should not get them from C-A but allow for some amount of grade increase to show development and growth.
Judy,
I will give bonus questions on exams that allow the student to demonstrate their learning using their own words. Also, since I give a lot of quizzes, I tell students I'll drop the lowest quiz score. This is not extra credit per se, but it's a way to use the students own work to boost a grade somewhat. I feel this is more fair than outright points to pass a class.
Barry Westling
ROBIN,
For some classes, the extra credit assignment can be a meaningful learning experience. In some courses (like medicine, law, aviation, etc.) where the health and safety of the general public are involved, I believe EC does not have a place.
Barry Westling
Extra credit should be used to bolster a student's grade but not replace the initial assignments/tests. I've seen students put effort into the extra credit and simple skip over the original assignment. In that case it is an inappropriate use of extra credit.
I do not believe in extra credit. A course should consist of enough work for student success. In my experience, students who look for extra credit are usually the ones who have been very laxed throughout the course.
Deborah ,
Most instructors tend to feel as you do. Can't reward poor behavior.
Barry Westling
Kimberly,
Each instructor and institution needs to decide what works best for them.
Barry Westling
Students should earn the privledge to receive extra credit to reach a higher grade in class.
I don't think it should replace a bad grade for someone that never makes any effort. I think we need to get to the bottom of why the student needs the extra credit and go from there.
Afrodite,
Many feel as you do. If we're interested in student learning, then giving assignments that earn points doesn't really help much.
Barry Westling
I have to say that I am not a big believer in extra credit. There are too many instances in which students do not complete the assignments that meet the course requirements and then when it is close to the end of the term they start asking for extra credit. Instead of offering extra credit I prefer to have some of these students complete some missing assignments or an alternate version of the missing assignment. This helps them get their grade up but this also depends on the student circumstances that led them not to complete assignments in the first place.
