The institution I teach as says absolutley not.
When I first started teaching, I offered extra credit but have done away with it now. I was surprised that only one or two students (out of 25) would take the extra credit option and most of the time, they were high performing students who didn't need it in the first place.
Thank you for sharing; I like this approach. I too am not a great advocate of EC. However, there is merit in looking at what students can do to raise their score in the tests. For example, in written work, encouraging students to expand their thinking - so rather than answering in a single short sentence, say, they write a short paragraph. Of course its a fine line, you don't want to encourage them to write a load of 'flannel,' but what you are looking for is the thinking behind their answer.
David
I'm not usually an advocate of extra credit assignments; at least, I don't offer them regularly. However, after the mid-term exam last quarter, my class asked for an extra credit assignment and I said, "maybe".
After considering the outcome of the exams and the areas that troubled them, I came up with a deal. For 10 points extra credit they could produce their study methods for the two chapters that gave them the most trouble. If they completed a chapter outline before the exam they had to choose another method because that obviously didn't work for them the first time. These study methods had to be turned in the following class period and I would asses how much of 10 points they earned. This credit was applied to their mid-term exam so that it only affected the final class grade by a maximum of 3%. Whether or not this is too much, I don't know. Would you guys ever choose that option? I still feel comfortable and confident with the decision that was made. It was not a make-or-break assignment and it was optional; not all students choose to do the assignment.
I have found that challenging extra credit is not what students are looking for anyway. My students certification exam will be multiple choice, so we tend to prepare them for this by giving all multiple choice tests. If I am inclined to try to give extra credit, I make it short answer, which they usually can't or won't even make an attempt. I am trying to see if they have retained any information, can recall it, and apply it to the questions. Like another reply stated, is this not college type learning? without word banks or multiple choice(guess).
I do not have a role for extra credit in my grading system. In all the classes I have taught, I have never offered extra credit, and I inform my students of this at the very beginning of the course. Typically, students seem a little discouraged about it at first, but as the course progresses, they end up doing only the work that is most beneficial to their learning.
I don't generally offer extra credit. Like others, I have seen the ones completing the extra credit are those who do not need it - the grading system does not recognize a grade higher than a 100%. The students who need it rarely complete or participate.
I think extra credit should be used for a student who is riding the line between a good grade or a bad grade.
I rarely use extra credit because some students see this as an opportunity to get out of doing "tougher assignments" by making up those pts. by doing extra credit.
As for the role of e.c. in final grades:
I will only use it if a student is on the borderline between 2 letter grades.
I agree with you. I like my original assignments to speak for themselves. Usually students aren't doing that well in the first place so they ask for extra credit just so they will pass the class.
I have never understood the use of extra credit. I will not use it. If a student wants to improve his or her grade they need to put forth the extra effort it takes towards required work, even if it means getting a tutor or extra help.
I offer EC on quizes and tests. Always less than 3 or 4 points. The question (s) tend to be significantly harder than all other questions, and will demonostrate a higher profiency of the material covered by the student.
Our institution does not allow instructors to give "extra credit".
It is felt that the students should be evaluated on their performance of the assigned class work and examinations.
So in our institution, extra credit plays no role in final grades.
Extra credit should be a 'last resort' procedure. In addition, its usage should be considered a possibility not a guarantee.
Hi Barry,
I will use extra credit to help with my grading,
by doing extra credit if a student has a grade say 88 % I will boost into 90% or next higher letter grade.. I usaully havea extra credit avialble of which I may use some as nrew material for next term
Hi Brian:
Another consideration is that extra credit may allow a student who really shouldn't pass a course the chance to do so.
Regards, Barry
Hi Brian:
Most institutions agree with your sentiment - allowing the use of extra credit may allow a student to slip by and pass the course when they really can not demonstrate a passing understanding of the main concepts.
Regards, Barry
Hi Pamela:
The strong thing about offering extra credit in the way you have described is that it serves as a reward for those students who are completing everything, and not for students who can not demonstrate a basic understanding of the main ideas, allowing them to slip by and pass the course.
Regards, Barry
Hi Jennifer:
Most institutions are in agreement with your sentiment of not using extra credit. The reason is because it may allow a student who does not fully understand the main content to squeek by and pass the course anyway.
Regards, Barry
Extra credit should only be offered for truly extraordinary extra work. I will not offer it to just one student; all should get the same opportunity. I usually only offer when 1) the work will enhance their education 2) there is some effort and the point value cannot have a significant impact on the final grade. For example, we often have special events on campus and need student volunteers to make these events happen. Since the nature of the job is directly related to class, I will award extra credit for those that come to help, but only if they are on time and perform their tasks to the best of their ability. In these cases, it's all or nothing.
