Extra Credit
Personally, I have always utilized extra credit as both a reward for students doing well and for those that are legitimately trying, but still falling short. The motivation this provides those students is excellent and typically the students take full advantage of the opportunity.
Hi Josh:
Many institutions are moving away from EC because it may allow a student the chance to slp by in a course when they haven't demonstrated a strong understanding of the key concepts.
Regards, Barry
Hi Sari:
The problem with extra credit is that it may possibly allow a student to passs the course when they really haven't demonstrated an ability to articulate the basic concepts of the course.
Regards, Barry
Hi Shantana:
The only potential issue with EC is if allowing it gives the student the chance to pass the course when they really haven't demonstrated the ability to do so in a normal sense.
Regards, Barry
I have typically only used extra credit in the context of exams. My format has been to ask a question or two about material I covered in class which was not necessarily in the formal curriculum, and give a couple of percentage points out of "zero" possible to those who paid enough attention to answer correctly.
Hi Christopher:
Some institutions have moved away from allowing the use of extra-credit due to some issues that arise.
If a student can pass a course without demonstrating an understanding of the primary concepts, that may end up resulting in angry feelings from other students who have worked hard to earn a solid grade.
Regards, Barry
Unfortunatlly of school does not allow for extra credit. In some cases I wish that we did because a struggleing student may have the opportunity to bring up their grades.
I agree. I don't make it too easy for them though. I add some interesting instructions to make sure they are following directions and paying attention to details. For instance a report that is presented for extra credit needs to be emailed, on a specific day not early or late, in a particular font and size, with a specific amount of spacing.
Yes, I agree. I do not use extra credit. I would much rather my assignments be relevant. That way the students want and do spend the right amount of time of the assigned work and get better scores. It saves a lot of time and stress for everyone!
I only give extra credit when it is available to everyone in the class. For example, when we play a review game before a test, I'll give extra credit points to the first place winners.
I have nothing agianst extra credit because it has been a wonder in getting my students out to local events and finding out more about their future career field. Going to shows, markets and turning in reports work well with them.
Any of my "extra credit" usually involves a very in depth, complex answer, or something that I covered VERY briefly, but if they follow their reading assignments, they will have encountered it in detail. Kind of my "reward" for not only paying good, close attention, but reading the texts.
Hi Beverly:
Different schoiols and teachers have to adopt what they think is appropriate. I'm in the camp that believes all graded material that will contribute to a grade should be discussed and explained at the beginning of a course. Then, I adhere to my standard firm (but fair to all).
Regards, Barry
I also do not give extra credit.
I dont have extra credit, Usually if a student asks me is something is extra credtit, I will respond with it being "extra knowlege" We have primary and secondary projects that are all required. Kind of a "practice" then a "performance" type of project. They are all required
A instructor must be a motivator, one that motivates their students to want to learn. If the intructor illitstrates to the students why it is important and they understands the purpose of the class. Their test results are their reward. Those doing poorly may need your help or your not presenting the material in sure a way for them to understand,
