Hi Erin:
Instructor's should exercise caution when assigning extra credit, especially if it allows a student the chance to squeak by in a class, which tends to upset other students who have worked hard for a solid grade.
Regards, Barry
I am not an advocate of extra credit; however, I have used it on occasions. Mainly, if I know the material covered on the exam may be challenging.
Have you ever had an student asking for extra credit during the first or two weeks of class? Never. The extra credit is always asked for towards the end of the course because those students who did not put the necessary effort during the whole course now need more points. I do not provide extra credits.
I like extra credit. If students want to go the extra mile to elaborate more on an assignment extra credit is an excellent reward. I never had one of my students that are often absent/tardy for class request extra credit assignments.
I tend to stay away from extra credit. When I first became an instructor I would allow extra credit, but found that it caused problems with other students who just learned slower than others. They wanted to do extra credit but just did not have the time to complete regular assignments and then extra credit.
I agree with this. I would rather tutor a student who isn't "getting it" than offer extra credit of busy work.
I enjoy giving extra credit for students. Sometimes, they did not fully grasp a subject or chapter, so by giving extra credit, I can reinforce the missed concept, and give them a second chance, b/c that is what life's about, living and learning, and second chances.
I typically restrict any extra credit to major exams (mid-term and final) with valid questions to evaluate their knowledge while giving them an opportunity to enhance their grade.
When I have used extra credit, it was during an activity in which the whole class had the opportunity to receive it. This was done as an activity to show that the students had a understanding of the material. However, the points that was received was not enough to "reward" those that was not doing the work to receive a higher grade than what they were going to get.
In final grades, extra credit should only be used to determine whether to grant a minus or plus grade within a grade category, such as B-, B, or B+. Also, extra credit should not take the place of regular grading criteria. In particular, extra credit should be for special topics or projects in addition to the assignments that are required for the regular grade.
The process was wrong not because extra credits were given but because teachers did not practice mathematically calculated grading system that would put extra credit points within categories of weighted grades which would not overcome overall learning evaluation.
One of the techniques that I like to use is to have extra credit as a "complete-the-grade" type of credit.
For instance, I assign an essay that can either have so many points add to the lowest quiz grade or (for students that do not need the extra credit but are over-achievers) add some points to your overall score--whichever benefits the student the most. With Excel gradebooks, it is a simple computer formula to implement the grade without any tedious calculations.
Even though it helps both types of students, it really helps allay student fears about their grades and gives them the feeling that they have a second chance at an assignment they felt they should have done better on.
Either way however, it does not do much overall to do more than help a borderline student.
Another thing I like to do with my extra credit assignments, is to have students explore topics we wouldn't otherwise cover--ofttimes students claim increased appreciation and interest, which is even more important than the points they receive from the assignments.
I have utilized extra credit. I understand that students could use it as a crutch yet it was i felt approriate at the time. Generally I stayed away from essay questions feeling they were too difficult for my class. I tested my theory by using an extra credit question and found my assumption was incorrect. I would not have chanced their grade status without the fail safe of the extra credit factor.
None what so ever .
Thank you
I teach developmental Mathematics and I give extra creddit on a win-win perspective: motivation and reinforcement.
I start my session with a handed-out session itinerary wherein I inform the students to pay very close attention and to participate on the discussion, to ask question on any part of the procedure that is not clear to them, to try hard to remember, to work on drill exercises, etc. in order for them to earn extra credit before the short quiz.
Before giving a short quiz, students group themselves in 3's (brainstorming) and must write what they'd learned and what procedure to follow to answer a problem(different for each group. After some 5 minutes, all responses are in, I affirm each group's work, reinforce on some mistakes, then I give the short quiz.
I do not use extra credit on a regular basis...I am willing to use it on a case by case basis to help a student gain cofidence who may be struggling...
I give extra credit work, because it separates the students that are wiling to work a bit harder.. I love to see students except additional challenge.
Offering extra credit should be probably kept under wraps unless/until a sense is had of the efforts being put in by the class. Utter lack of effort shouldn't be made up for through xtra credit. However, there are circumstances in which extra credit makes sense, e.g. encouraging relevant but not syllabus expressed work.
Extra credit should be offered only to those that have completed every assignment on time. Then it should be factored in from there.
Hi Erica:
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
