Bonus points
I teach an art history course and note taking is an important part of retention for names, dates, etc. I offer bonus points at the end of the course for a complete notebook. This provides students with extra motivation to keep notes and helps reinforce the material as they're writing.
James,
This is why I let students earn Profession Points. They are earned throughout the course and the ways they are earned are clearly spelled out. This way it is up to the students to earn or lose them. This way they don't have to as you have mentioned try to beg bonus points at the end of the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I dislike the use of bonus points as they are usually associated with a student's desperate plea to avoid a failing grade. I do like the concept of professional points as a reward for students who stay for the whole class, tell me they need to leave early, mentor other students etc.
Sandy,
Thank you for the kind words about Professional Points. In addition to the use you mentioned in your forum post you can use them for attendance, being on time, participating in discussions, etc.. Anything that reflects their growth as pre-professionals. I give examples in the syllabus of how Professional Points can be earned and I remind the students about the Professional Points on a regular basis throughout the course. I am striving not only to give them the points but I want to burn into their minds the fact they are going to be professionals so they need to act like professionals, thus the Professional Points.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Dr. Meers~
I love the wording of "Professional Points." The use of extra credit/bonus points is a debate among instructors. Some do; some don't. I do use them. I am now thinking about using your "Professional Points" for when students use 'soft skills'. For example, it's great when a student informs me that they will be absent or late. I can award those students a 'Professional Point' for this behavior. I'd love to hear more about your use of 'Professional Points'!
Yours in Learning,
Sandy
Aaron,
How do you use them in your course?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Bonus points are definite incentive
Margaret,
Students do like to earn these extra points and show how their learning has progressed.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I use bones points for extra projects for them to do. They get all motivated and work hard to complete this.
I love the idea of using bonus points to motivate the students! I will definitely implement this soon.
In my class I also use bonus points. It is a very good motivation also they pay more attention to details.
Edgar,
It seems to always be this way. I have to really push my challenging students to put forth the effort to earn bonus points and then sometimes they won't because to earn them is just too much work. Wonder how their careers are going to go?
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Bonus points it's a must. The students that don't need it take advantage, and the ones that do, don't.. irionic huh...
We are looking for ways of motivating our Business students better and this might be a good way.....thanks. One of the best ways of ensuring students can apply knowledge to new areas is to use application questions as bonus point questions.
That is a great idea. I do something similar, as I offer small extra credit for attending certain seminars that support our learning. They love that type of motivation.
I also use bonus points. It is a very good motivation
April,
I like your use of the professional points. I have a Professional Points score column for my students where they can earn points through attendance and participation. They work really hard to get all of these points for the reason you state and that is to overcome a poor score on a project or quiz, though the majority of students that work the hardest don't need the points they just want to excel.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I also give bonus points as well, especially if we have a "mock doctors office lab" and they all Particpate, even if they are in my second class that i Teach. Also this can help with a bad quiz, or test score.
Thank you for that idea! I too plan on using bonus point availability as a way to push my students one step beyond!
Cathryn,
Good strategy. Thanks for sharing it with us. I know it will be of benefit to other instructors looking for ways to encourage note taking.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
