I use to give extra credit questions on the test or assign extra credit projects. The career college I work for will not allow the use of extra credit any longer. They see it as a means to pass students who maybe would not have passed the class in the first place. I don't agree with them at all. The extra credit that I would give would be much more difficult than the test questions. I used the extra credit as a way of gauging the students learning aptitude of the course.
when giving extra credit don't would it be better to offer it to the whole class so you avoid the favoritism issue. Extra credit could also give the student the opportunity to open up or see something out of the student you might not have expected from them?
Depending on the subject and class level, extra credit can be beneficial for students who needs improving in the subject and who are failing the class. On the other hand, in higher education, I do not grant extra credit to my students, however; I will work with my students in making sure they ar successful in passing the class.
Hi Erica:
I'm in medical too (RT), and decided not to give extra credit. Anything that's associated with a grade is important to their education and needed for their practice.
I don't want to have a student graduate who received a true "D" or "F" in a class or topic performing procedures because their grade was artificailly raised.
Each teacher and institution has to decide how to handle EC.
Regards, Barry
Hi Harriet:
Each institution and teacher has to decide where they stand with EC. I don't allow it. My reasons are it's subjective, students perceive it as unfair, and it contributes to grade inflation.
When I once gave EC to a student and was accused of showing faroritism, I decided anything graded will be listed in the syllabus at the beginning of class and I will stick to it.
My experience and opinion.
Regards, Barry
Hi Shawna:
Many institutions, and of course many instructors would agree with you. Variables of subjectivity, fairness in grading, claims of faroritism, and grade inflation are the usual reasons cited. I'm sure there are mnany other "bad" experiences asssociated with EC that teachers and institutions have experienced.
Regards, Barry
I am lucky in that my college doesn't allow for us to use "extra credit" when figuring grades.
Extra credit is offered for those in my class who have perform well but had to miss certain assignments do to personal reasons.
My school does not allow any extra credit assignments, so I provide my students with several bonus questions on quizzes, and stress the importance of good attendance to boost their daily work skills. I still feel it is a bit unfortunate that extra credit is not allowed, though.
Hi Kathleen:
You've made a good point.
Maybe one has to look at their students like their own kids, whose needs are different and therefore treated differently. But invariably some students will feel or express that student got special treatment, or the dreaded "favoritisism". It may not be the intent, but that's how they feel. So, unless I can give assignments available for all, I just don't do extra credit.
Regards, Barry
Hi Casey:
This sounds like a great activity - suitable for all students. Why not just incorporate the assignment as "required", and give all students the opportunity?
Regards, Barry
The college I work at does not allow extra credit.
I like to offer extra credit to students in the form of "outside" activities. In this way, the student is exposed to professionals working in their field.
Hi Rhonda:
Your practice of giving some students EC is okay, but other students may feel the EC students got an extra advantage. Also, grading individual, independent assignments may be subjective. Of course, earning a higher grade than others that weren't given the same opportunity produces grade inflation, and skews your class percentages.
I work and teach in a medical profession. I can't award "A's and B's" to "C" level students. Or worse, give a "C" to "D or F" level students. That's the problem with grade inflation. I think there are other methods of helping students besides giving away points.
Regards, Barry
Hi Colleen:
Yes, an activityb that all student can do and express their individual knowledge is terrific! To me, that's not extra credit. It's earned credit, and that's what teaching is about.
Regards, Barry
We don't offer extra credit where I teach. I do, though, like the example that they used about giving 2 points to have the student write what else they learned about the topic.
I believe in extra credit but I do not talk about it a lot. It is on the syllabus. If I know a person has worked hard but still a little low, I will suggest it to them. I am also open to anyone that comes to me about it, depending on the situation. I am less apt to give it to those that turned in all their assignments late and didn't show up a lot.
Hi Stacey:
You're like many institutions and instructors, I among them. Just unfair and subjective. EC is about grades and points. Our focus should be on teaching and learning.
Regards, Barryt
Hi Gordon:
I'm all for helping students, but I want to help them learn, rather than earn a grade. I don't allow EC in my courses. My opinion is specific to my clases, which are medical, and there can be no weak spots when patient health and safety are at risk.
Regards, Barry
I think it is very important to remember that extra credit shouldn't exceed the actual grade, but allow the students who may be strugling to have a way to get or meet the required grades of the course.
