Extra credit should only be 2 to 3 % of the total grade.
Hi Peggy:
I believe there is a difference between a "bonus question" and extra credit. Many teachers believe if it's reqiured it should be included in the graded component of the course. That said, a bonus question may give the student a chance to show they've learned something particularly difficult beyond what is required. Some might say it's just semantics, but there is a diiference.
Regards, Barry
Hi Gail:
Many teachers choose not to offer EC. They would argue if it's important and required, it should be part of the graded assignments.
Some institutions do not allow EC at all, while others make it an option. My college has a category for "Professional Development". It can have an impact the student's grade, to the point it could reduce the student's score one whole grade level ("A" decreased to a "B"). Because our institution puts an emphasis on the importance of these attributes, it's a requirement. Especially these days where a graduate worker-applicant seeking employment needs every edge going for them.
Regards, Barry
if I give extra credit, it is usually and extra question at the end of a test or if students are asking for extra credit, I offer it to the whole class not just that student.
Extra credit I feel is just that "extra". It is not used to supplement the overall grade due to lack of a "good" grade or lack of work being produced. A situation was just discussed with my P.D that leads me to understand further that we should not perhaps offer this as an option. A student who gets the breakdown of percentages (discussed as part of the class syllabus), how much each test,quiz or project is worth, can pick and choose to do as much or as little as they want. What can be "extra" is the type of behavior exhibited, the way they present themselves (in uniform and groomed appropriately)and in general exemplify the professional attitude we want for our students. In the final analysis of grade value I will go to the next whole grade to offer that student who has shown me the above charateristics.
Gail Marvin
Hi Johnna:
You've come up with a good "bonus" system, which I would classify as something different than extra credit. Sounds like it's effective and fair to all.
Regards, Barry
Hi Winnifred:
I think that if an assignment is worthwhile it ought to be included in the required curriculum. I know some teachers want to help struggling students. Sometimes this is helpful but if we are focused on their learning, the need for extra credit should be minimal.
Regards, Barry
Hi Brian:
Many teachers will agree with you. I am not not convinced EC helps the learning as much as it helps award points and/or grades. But our focus should be on learning.
Regards, Barry
I give extra credit to my whole class by writing 1-3 questions on the board, no books or notes allowed, 3-5 points are allowed but ALL questions must be correct to get the points. The points they earned are applied at the end of the course to the section the student needs it most, attendance, assignments or tests/quizzes.
Extra credit should by all means be factored into the student's final grade. This will encourage students in their learning process and enhance their learning abilities through their research.
While I understand the ideas presented during this part of the class I do not use extra credit for my classes. I feel that they are not necessary if the class has been planned properly.
Hi Christine:
One of the concerns regarding awarding EC is that it almost always is subjectively awarded or granted by the instructor. I know the last thing any teacher wants is an (incorrect) accusation of favortism or being unfair. Good students who do all their assigned work sometimes feel it's not fair for students who don't get all of their assignments completed, but are given the chance to get extra credit to make up the difference. Too much, and it'll skew the whole grading system.
I know extra credit works and can understand teachers who elect to use it. I think it can over used at times.
Regards, Barry
I find this really helps a student who tries really hard but struggles to achieve.
Hi Kham:
I agree. Essential course content should be required and graded before any consideration of extra credit is pondered. Good students who perform well may feel too much extra credit is not fair, especially if grades get skewed too much much from frivolous extra credit points. As teachers, do we want to emphasize points and grades, or learning and career knowledge?
Regards, Barry
Hi Matthew:
What a wonderful exercise. I think better students genuinely want to show off their stuff so I'm not surprised that your students will do an assignment when the don't get credit for it.
Regards, Barry
Extra credit should only be a small amount that will make the final grade an + or -
When a student voices an interest in doing extra credit, I let them know that they can present a research paper or topic to the class, but it will only be for the betterment of the class and will not affect their grade. Some give me dumbfound looks, but most do it anyway, and it becomes a fun way to bring new material to the class.
Hi Erik:
Well, you're preaching to the choir. I feel EC is more typically used as a grade adjuster than an adjunct that positively contributes to improved learning. Each teacher (or institution) has to decide what works best for them. I just think more than a little bit of adjustment (via EC) cannot be used as a substitute for required learning.
Regards, Barry
Hello Barry,
I'm not so sure extra-credit should have a role in the final grade.
Our school policy prevents extra credit, as I've heard it stated, "You can't get extra credit until you've received full credit."
Makes sense.
However, I do try to accommodate students when the situation merits (illness, emergency, etc.).
On top of that I allow students to re-submit work if they don't like the grade they received. With the exception that deadline points cannot be made up.
This keeps students on task, so as to meet the deadline, and it allows them to do their best work.
The one issue I have found with re-submissions is that every once in a while I find more mistakes the second time grading than I did the first - this also keeps them trying their best every time (they don't want to have to re-do it a third time).
Hi Nicole:
Assignments are given to maximise the learning experience.
Regards, Barry
