Barry Westling

Hi Marlene:
Most institutions adopt your point of view. The idea is that extra credit might allow a student who is not passing the chance to pass without really learning enough of the key information.

Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Hi Jodi:
If extra credit was not offered at the beginning of the course to everyone, it's probably not a good idea to offer it. And, it sounds like in this situation, the student missed the main ideas anyway.

Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Hi Julie:
You make a really good point - the use of extra credit can be a negative if it allows students who are barely passing to squeeze by with the extra work.

For this reason, most institutions don't support the use of these kinds of assignments.

Regards, Barry

Marlene Fares

I have never given extra credit. I don't feel its necessary or fair for a student, who is given clear expectations and course requirements in a syllabus on the first day of class, to have the option of extra credit when they realize that they are failing the course because of their own irresponsibilities.

Jodi Lombardo

I am new to teaching..my second semester. I have an absentee student who does not make up assignments and now at the end of the term is asking for an extra credit assignment. what is the best way to handle this?

Barry Westling

Hi Marc:
Great sentiment, and I understand exactly how you fell, as do many teachers. EC is really only about points and grades, and to do with learning. I choose the learning path because in the end, that's what they're left with. What good are empty points if the student hasn't learned all they should have.

Regards, Barry

Marc Doherty

I have choosen not to put any extra credit on written tests because if you want students to understand the topics then those questions should be part of the regular assessment.

I also beleive it is irrelevant to add extra credit questions that pose no purpose to the overall learning outcomes of the course.

Julie Blair

Barry and all-

I do not believe in extra credit as those that tend to want it are those who haven't done anything during the term and are trying to pass with a D-. If they cared in the first place they probably would have done more than wait until the last day of class to cram it all in.

Rewarding bad behavior is more often than not what extra credit tends to do. Those that are passing with an A are not in need right?

I teach Speech and if there were extra credit who knows how many hours I would be sitting there grading horrible speeches by those who think they can just wing it! No thank you! Not accepting it is what's best for all of us!

Barry Westling

Hi Walter:
Well, I agree, but for a different reason. I think EC is unfair to the good performing student who choose not to do something extra created to boost grades. I also tend to feel that EC is more about points and grades than emphasizing learing and instruction.

Just my opinion, but in my classes, no extra credit is given.

Regards, Barry

Walter Wyckoff

I don't care for extra credit because I feel it takes something away from the rest of the test or quiz.