Personally, I do not agree with the concept of extra credit--if students attend class regularyl and apply themselves then there is no need for extra credit.
Hi Richard:
I believe frequent (daily) quizxes that are short and essentially review the previous days work help me the most. Frequency is like practice, and practice makes perfect, so they say!
Regards, Barry
At our institution extra credit is not part of the grading system. However we do present multiple quizes which appears to benifit those students that are having dificulty with the subject.
Hi James:
Many teachers would possess simililar sentiments. I think extra credit can be done fairly, but the question is should be done at all? If all is explained clearly at the beginning, and students are given the resources to do the work then their grade should be reflected on the work they do.
Regards, Barry
Lydia:
I think in your case, it's not extra credit but extra opportunity. Perhaps a better word is bonus or bonus opportunity. Some teachers are strongly against awarding any at all, while others teachers embrace it, and some institutions mandate it. I think it just has to be fair if it's done, whatever we call it.
Regards, Barry
Allowing extra credit complicates the evaluation process and compromises fairness. I provide enough assessments throughout the course to enable students to redeem themselves.
I do not award extra credit as it complicates the value for each assignment. I rather give everyone an opportunity to redo one assignment for the course.
Hi Frederic:
I agree keeping your percentage low is good. Some teachers make a distinction between bonus points and extra credit. In some ways, they're similar. But I think bonus points is a fairer way to give some students a boost. Usually this is an optional question that may be tougher or require more from the student. To me, that makes sense to reward the student with bonus credit.
Regards, Barry
I limit extra credit to only a value of 10% of the total grade number.
It is not fair to students who do the regular, required work.
The 10% represent one grade level in my college's system. One letter grade up.
This is a motivation for student to try to improve their fianl drade as we come to the end of the class.
Hi Uwe:
I agree only the smallest of points should be allocated A(if any) for extra credit. I also think that extra credit should not be substituted for regular assignments. For instance, what good is it for a student to receive extra credit for something not required yet forego completing a necessary assignment. We want to teach, not just award grades.
Regards, Barry
Hi Jeremy:
Extra credit is related to grades. As teachers, we should be most focused on learning, with grades secondary to teaching course material. Yet, we do assign grades as a common mechanisim to measure learning. I agree extra credit should represent little contribution to the student's grade.
Regards, Barry
Hi Robert:
I cannot comment directly to your question. I can say that grades are just points. What we want to achieve is learning and skills that prepare students for work. Perhaps coupling a weaker student with a brighter student as partners will assist the weaker student learn what's needed. Students like to help their classmates if they're able.
Failure is when the student gives up. Until that point, they'll always have a chance.
Regards, Barry
it should be given to all students
it should be a small # / as in 25 points on a 1000 points
Extra credit should have a relatively minor roll in the overall grade, but carry enough incentive to give the opportunity for students to gain additional knowledge or practice on skills that are important. I also sometimes use extra credit to gain student feedback, such as with open questions about what they have learned.
Hi Jacky:
If it's useful, I think it should be part of the regular grading matrix. Extra credit is above and beyond what is required - but not a substitute for required assignments.
Regards, Barry
I have learned a lot in this section as it pertains to extra credit. Mostly, in the past I have only used extra credit to help failing students acheive a passing grade and get on with thier life. Am I setting them up for future failure?
Opportunity for the student to use what they have learned in the class room
Hi Amy:
I like your attitude about extra credit. Emphasis on "supplement" vs substitution. A mistake some teachers make is allowing extra credit to be substituted for missed assignments that are germaine to the core course topics. That credit may help achieve a grade but I don't think it helps in the learning process that much.
Regards, Barry
Hi Karen:
I think theres a difference between extra credit (EC) and assigned credit. In other words, if the student isn't doing the assigned work, it does little good to give credit in some other afrea if they arn't learning the basic/required material. But a small amout of EC coupled with required work can be a booster for some needy students.
Regards, Barry
Extra credit is usually completed by those that are already excelling in the course (or at least in my experience). Most students that are offered extra credit will not do it - unless they are striving for an A in the class. The extra credit needs to be used as a reward to those students that are using the extra credit to supplement their learning.
