Jean,
I agree, and also think that there are non-point/grade ways to reward or recognize outstanding effort. For instance, praising students in class or public, or having the student present their assignment to the class or other classes, or having a students name and their project announced on the college portal, etc. are just a few examples. Some students are shy and prefer not to be in the limelight, but even so, I believe everyone recieves inner pride and satisfaction when they are publicly recognized
Barry Westling
Jean,
Well, if students learn from their extra credit, and they're current on their regular assignments, that'd seem like a win-win. Too often students seek extra credit not for it's educational value, but to simply raise their grade, sometimes in order to even receive a passing grade. Not so sure that's in the best interest of the student (if a grade is supposed to measure learning).
Barry Westling
I don't give extra credit, but I believe if students have worked really hard and took the initiative to request or suggest an extra project they should be rewarded.
I think extra credit should be given to those students who wish to do an extra project or presentation, this promotes a competative and motivational environment. I don't think extra credit should be given for missed or incomplete assignments.
Leann,
I resolved to this compromise after years of vacillating back and forth, and also encountering less than wonderful experiences giving extra credit. I agree that a small amount of wiggle room is probably OK as long as the student has demonstrated they have mastered the topic. I feel less inclined if the student would not pass the class without EC.
Barry Westling
I have a tough time with this concept. Many of my peers are adamantly opposed, while other peers of mine know that many of the students we teach have high test anxiety and do actually comprehend the material but test poorly. I fall in the middle. I believe if I take my time and prepare an exam that is truly reflective of the content covered in my course, then they would fair pretty well. I do love the idea of adding the one open ended question for 2 points on a 50 point test to allow them to share something they learned that wasn't covered on the assessment.
Jessica,
Yes, if a test can be aslo used as an instructional tool, it's probably a sound idea to use it that way.
Barry Westling
Arnitra,
You know, I believe if giving away some points for relatively little work, and that creates momentum to lead to a successful, productive working professional, then my perspective is what the heck. It's just in my profession (like most), there are just some topics that have to be mastered, and it becomes not a question of points and grades, but about to what degree has a student learned essential material.
Barry Westling
I am not a fan of extra credit, but have noticed some instructors awarding extra credit when a student fails an exam and is willing to do extra work in the subject they did poorly in. I guess this is an alternative way to ensure they understand the information.
I agree with this concept. It does help with those students that may feel as if they need to give up. It foes give them a bit of extra something to look forward to in case they get a couple of problems wrong. However, there should also be a balance in the amount of extra credit,. But I agree totally.
Lisa,
Personally I prefer not to go into extra credit, but I understand some instructors do.
Barry Westling
Extra credit only be a few points. It is used to give a little boost to their grade.
Diana,
Each instuctor has to decide what works best for them. In a class where there may be several hundred possible points, a couple here or there is not going to really make a difference.
Barry Westling
I appreciate and will try your idea of no extra credit grading; however, I have put myself out there in the past to award an extra point if I forget a student's name or call a student by the wrong name. I will probably continue that policy.
I appreciate and will try your idea of no extra credit grading; however, I have put myself out there in the past to award an extra point if I forget a student's name or call a student by the wrong name. I will probably continue that policy.
David,
Some institutions have adopted this as an institutional policy, too.
Barry Westling
I don't believe in extra credits they seem to lead to other problems.
Mary,
Yeah, that's probably a good thing.
Barry Westling
WE have a department policy of not providing any extra credit in our courses. We have it written in the syllabus and review the policy with the students. It seems to eliminate any conflicts or fairness issues.
Deborah,
I don't know of any specific studies, but I would guess that extra credit does not really contribute to learning in any significant way. It's probably most effective to alter points, percentages, and grades -- in that case, then it would be effective.
Barry Westling
