The extra credit paradox
"Students who really need extra credit rarely seek it and students who do extra credit work rarely need it." It always seems that "A" students are far more willing to do extra credit work than a borderline student whose grade might actually go up if they completed some extra credit. Why? Motivation. "A" students are motivated to do the work and other types of students often are not willing to do more than they have to, even if it means getting a lower grade. As a result, I no longer offer extra credit.
Hi George:
Some institutions have moved away from allowing the use of extra-credit due to some issues that arise.
If a student can pass a course without demonstrating an understanding of the primary concepts, that may end up resulting in angry feelings from other students who have worked hard to earn a solid grade.
Regards, Barry
Hi Terri:
Some institutions have moved away from allowing the use of extra-credit due to some issues that arise.
If a student can pass a course without demonstrating an understanding of the primary concepts, that may end up resulting in angry feelings from other students who have worked hard to earn a solid grade.
Regards, Barry
Hi Charles:
Some institutions have moved away from allowing the use of extra-credit due to some issues that arise.
If a student can pass a course without demonstrating an understanding of the primary concepts, that may end up resulting in angry feelings from other students who have worked hard to earn a solid grade.
Regards, Barry
I feel fortunate that I have been having the exact opposite experience with extra credit in that the students actually look for and take advantage of every opportunity to earn additional points in competition (healthy) with the other students ...
I agree with your analysis about which students seek extra credit. Therefore, I no longer give extra credit. I have occasionally given bonus points for some more difficult questions on an exam.
I have my students doing 10 projects in 10 weeks. Sometimes if it has been a rough term for the students I will over one extra credit equal to the value of the projects. Then I substitute it for the lowest grade. Usually it is the better students who may have done poorly on just one project that opt to use it. It is not an easy assignment so they really need to work to get it. But I have had to stop the practice because the administration wants everything online on the portal and their portal programming does not allow me the option to build this in late in the term and on a student by student basis...it is all or none.
Hi William:
Many teachers and institutions have policies specifically against the use of EC. My take on is if the "assignment" is worth awarding points, it should be added to the curriculum and required of all students.
I agree that even when EC is allowed, students who coulkd benefit don't take advantage of it.
I think EC is more about grades than it is about learning.
Regards, Barry
