I play games and have challenges in class so the students can earn bonus points that go into their test bank for final grades. They get excited about that because they don't know it is coming, I just do it on a whim. It stirs up excitement and if I put them in teams, they challenge each other over who is to buy lunch.
I offer students extra credit if they do not do as well on a particular concept. I ask them to work on a project or do research on that particular subject.
I let the student know that extra credit does not take the place of learning the material correctly, so i give very little.
Hi Simon:
This is how it should be done!
Additionally, most would agee that extra credit should not allow a student to pass a course if they can not demonstrate they have learned the main ideas.
Regards, Barry
Hi Danielle:
And, by allowing extra credit, you may run into the pitfall that some students will feel resentful that the instructor allowed other students that opportunity.
If allowed, it should be unbiased and equally offered to all.
Regards, Barry
Hi Michele:
Most institutions agree with your sentiments. Extra credit should not be offered as a means for a student to slip by without having to demonstrate they've learned anything.
Regards, Barry
Hi Sue:
Keep in mind that extra credit may cause resentment in students who are making the grade by allowing students who arent the chance to pass a course solely by using the extra credit.
Regards, Barry
Hi Katherine:
A lot of institutions do not allow extra-credit because of the danger of it serving to pass students who haven't essentially learned anything.
Also, if used, it should be provided to everyone on the same basis, so everyone can earn the credit.
Regards, Barry
This type of reward is ok unless it is overdone. Sometimes it can provide the 'just over the hill' points to attain a grade. Depending on the type of test- especially if it is not a purely objective test- it eliminates the questionable determination of whether answers were 'complete' enough.
Enough that the hard work will pay off but, not so much as it will offset the regular grade.
Hi Edward:
Most institutions look at extra credit in the manner you've described - as something not positive to offer.
The reasons for this are usually around the possibility of offering a means for a student who is not passing a way out, which other students may come to resent.
Regards, Barry
Hi Rebecca:
Many colleges do not allow the use of extra credit for the same reason you pointed out.
If it will be used, it is important its the same for all, to support the idea it's fair.
Regards, Barry
Hi Donna:
If you are using extra-credit at all, it is important it is given out to everyone with the same expectations to avoid the pitfall of offering favoritism.
Regards, Barry
Hi Michael:
True - if using extra credit at all, that's the best practice, and announcing the expectations of the assignment on the first day as well.
Regards, Barry
Hi Seth:
As a general rule, the type of extra credit that allows failing students to pass a course is an ineffective practice.
Additionally, students who are doing well in the course who see other students using this tool to catch up may develop resentment.
Regards, Barry
I refuse to give extra credit to anyone that is below 85% attendance
First of all, I don't award extra credit period and it's understood at the beginning of the quarter. However, I will all make-up on exams, assignments, etc. providing the student is absent do to circumstances beyond his/her control and he/she can provide documented proof of the reason for absent. For example: If for furnal of relative, provide the obituary and so proof of how you are related if name is not listed in the obituary.
Hi Jane:
In some environments, it may indeed be better not to have it.
For the sake of the discussion, any expectations about assignments in general should most likely best be delivered to the students as soon as possible - like the first day of class.
Doing so sets the tone from the first day, so there are less chances of misunderstanding to occur.
Regards, Barry
Hi Kamarah:
It's a great idea to make extra credit available to all students, if used at all.
One thing to consider is should there be a requirement to have access to that extra work? For example, is it available regardless, or should students need to be present every day?
Regards, Barry
Hi Marcia:
Perhaps it is not always the best idea to allow extra credit. In some professions, there are definitely no second chances.
Regards, Barry
