Extra credit should be mentioned early in the classroom setting and not used as a last resort to assist students at the last hour.
Hi Nancy:
Keep in mind that extra credit, depending on how it is structured, may allow a student the chance to pass the course when they haven't been able to demonstrate an understanding of the main ideas.
Regards, Barry
Hi Scott:
Most institutions are not using extra credit anymore due to the fact it might allow a student to pass a course without demonstrating an ability to articulate the main ideas.
Regards, Barry
I too, do not use EC. If the students do the work assigned they should not need the EC. I liked the idea of using EC at the end of the test, by asking what else was learned during the class that was not on the test. This is a great idea for evaluating how much the students are learning during the class. If students are having trouble in class, they need to ask for help and guidance, not EC.
I agree. I teach in a trade school and if a student wants to do "extra credit" (repairing a personal item, I am all for it but the class work must come first and the "extra credit" is the fact that they repaired their item.
My last response on extra credit. This is only allowed once per class so it's not a lot of extra points but does have some great results early on when they need to make change.
I actually do extra credit in my class to encourage students to be reflective on what they need to do to improve study methods, etc.. So they get 4 extra points towards quizes for filling out a form I developed in which they must evaluate how they can become a more effective student. The form looks at Time Management, Study Methods, Listening skills and paying attention in class,Understanding Test Taking Strategies, Comprehending Material, Concentrating on Topic, Using Learning Style Strategies, Being to class on time. What they have to do is Describe or list the obstacles in the way/troubles they are having in each area and then develop a strategy for change. I was pleasantly surprised at how many students filled this out in each area with great detail and turned it to me. This way I see effort to change what is not working for them and how I can help.
Hi Nutisha:
Most institutions have a similar policy due to the fact that extra credit may allow a student to pass a course without really demonstrating an understanding of the main ideas.
Regards, Barry
I completely agree... most of the students want the extra credit as an easy way to bring up a poor grade. One method I have tried is adding bonus questions to tests. Some of my tests I was curving by one or two points anyway, so now I have the students earn their curve with extra credit questions.
Hi Susan,
I totally do the same. But when I do have extra credit I make challenging and learning.
Hi Ralph:
In general, a lot of institutions have a "no extra credit" policy due to the fact that overuse of it may allow the student to pass a course when they haven't demonstrated the ability to do so.
Regards, Barry
I feel its good to give EC at times not always.The student who is asserative is the one who ususally asked for EC the one is not doing well it is usually because they didnt do there homework or study
Hi Aldgenette:
Most institutions use a similar method of no extra credit. The reason is because it may allow a student to pass a course when they really have not demonstrated the ability to do so.
Regards, Barry
Hi monte:
That's a good idea. Most institutions frown upon the use of any extra credit due to the possible outcome of a student passing a course without demonstrating they really can on their own.
Regards, Barry
I am not in favor of extra credit. However, the material within my course builds upon previous lessons. I allow extra credit when students did poorly during the initial lesson, but through extra practice and reinforcement, learned the skill. I allow students to re-submit up to 5 assignments. I re-grade these assignments, and take the greater score. The extra credit only applies to the assignment portion of the grade. If you did not hand in the assignment, you can not re-submit the material. This rewards improvement in skill, which is one of my course objectives.
Hi Herschel:
Very true - extra credit may also allow a student to pass the course when they have not demonstrated a full understanding in the way they should.
Regards, Barry
Hi David:
Very true - used as a reward to hard working students, not as a means to pass the course when they haven't demonstrated an understanding of the basic concepts.
Regards, Barry
Hi Herb:
Another negative aspect about extra credit is that it may allow a student to pass the course when they have not demonstrated a clear understanding of the main ideas.
Regards, Barry
Hi Jeff:
My feeling is all assignments that contribute to a grade should be discussed and explained at the beginning of a class.
Sometimes, good students who really don't need EC will feel it's unfair for lower performing students to get credit when it's not deserved.
I can appreciate the subjective nature of knowing your students and their needs. I just have been "burned" too many times and have so developed a firm and consistent policy.
Regards, Barry
In cases where I award extra credit assignments, I find that using assignments with low point values works best. The assignments and subsequent points are cumulative towards possibly swaying a letter grade up or down, in that if there is a student riding a high C according to the standard point system, but it is due to a poor test grade or possibly that the student just does not test well at all, but they have also taken the effort for extra credit realizing their weakness in test taking, I use the points to bump their grade up to a low B. Being aware of a students attitudes and efforts is essential in this approach, but in my experience I have dealt with primarily small classes and by the end of a term I have gotten to know the individuals well enough to know whether they deserve that little push or not.
Of course, this always is a subjective set of circumstances.
