Extra credit is a supplement to the overall grading system but should never replace the meat and potatoes of the course. This is why it is deemed "extra".
I believe that extra credit should be used for those students desiring extra credit. Asking the instructor about assignments or projects that they are willing to complete and submit. Do to work/home/health situation, that they missed and are willing to complete the extra credit information.
I incorporate extra credit into the class curriculum, namely extra homework assignments that are not otherwise covered by the regular weekly assignments. This extra credit value is small, but part of a large percentage of the grade; therefore, students who might miss a day or two of class are able to "catch up" somewhat.
I don't believe in allowing a student who is begging for an "a" to do make up work to earn this grade change. It is a mindset error on the student's part--the emphasis should be on what has been learned, rather than the letter earned.
Hi Kathleen:
I don't give extra credit. I once did and over the years found that it really doesn't contribute to much benefit to the student, other than adding points, and less about learning.
The old expression "The road to Hell is lined with good intentions" applies here. In an effort to help students, all kinds of problems can arise.
A few bonus points on an exam, or maybe dropping the lowest quiz score if the class has a lot of quizzes - these seem reasonable and consistent with demonstrating knowledge attained vs simply added points to achieve a grade.
Who wants an "A" student who can't function in a work setting?
Regards, Barry
I agree extra credit takes away from the importance of the students achieveing the established objectives. It easily becomes an entittlement. We do allow instructors to be creative and add minimum extra assignements to check student understanding or give them an opportunity to work with the new information. They can earn a maximun of 5 points per assignment with 3 assignments being the limit. The points are then added into the collective points for the class but the divisor remains what it would be without any extra assignments. We find that only occassionally do instructors employ this option
It seems you are implying extra credit requires less effort and less intelligence. I think we need to examine the format of the extra credit and degree of difficulty. Do you feel a student who is 1 point shy of achieving an A and has been a stellar student should not be given the opportunity to make an extra point(s) that may change a GPA from a 3.9 to a 4.0?
Hi Dennis:
I don't give extra credit. I could provide a lengthly response, but in short, it creates as many problems as it solves. Education aside, these are students, there to learn something they need. EC seems to emphasize points and grades, less about achieving higher leraning outcomes. Grades are useless if the student has missed or doesn't understand key information.
Just my opinion. Each teacher and institution has to come up with their own policies and guidelines. If its done, I'd strongly suggest having very clear expectations and guidlines stated at the outset, then follow them firmly and consistently.
Regards, Barry
I have a very eclectic group. some just have a GED. Others have a Bachelors or Masters. The Extra Credit allows the "slower" students to work at their pace and the "gifted students" to demonstrate advanced knowledge.
Hi Beverly:
Right. EC is about points and grades and less about learning. We want our students knowledgeable on all required course objectives. For anything important (EC assignment), it should be added to the required assignment category.
Regards, Barry
Hi Dennis:
Your exercise is wonderful - meaningful and valuable. Why is it extra credit? If it's important, why not incorporate it into the regular assignment grades.
EC implies "special points for something special". Unless it's offered to all, graded the same, and doesn't add piles of extra points, I'd avoid EC if possible. Call it bonus points; then all students can have a stab at it and you can grade accordingly. EC given in substitution for regular classwork just seems unfair, and diminishes the hard work your good students have put in to ear their true grade.
I don't give extra credit at all. My opinion for my classes.
Regards, Barry
Hi Eric:
For me, I just don't give extra credit. I have in the past and there are just too many problems with it, least among them the principle of grade inflation. Subjectivity, fairness, and missed course objectives are factors that seem to interfere with giving it, so I've learned just not to go there.
Each teacher and institution needs to decide for themselves what their guidelines are - then stick to them.
Regards, Barry
I feel extra credit ;especially if it requires searching through course material is very valuable. It requires students to develop the ability to"know where to look" which is often lacking. Especially this encourages use of ancillary materials.
it bothers me to do so unless they have earned it and are generally trying to process the information. But, if they are late or absent i will not give them make-up work unless the excuse is 100% legitimate.
Hi Jeannette:
I agree, as would the majority (but not all) instructors. Threr are a number of factors involved. Generally practice for me is to not go there.
Regards, Barry
Hi Ryan:
There is value in having students demonstrate their learning this way. Awarding points by Extra Credit is questionable. Perhaps if we called it bonus points, it more clearly states your purpose.
Regards, Barry
Hi Donald:
Many teachers would not favor inflating grades. An A is nice, learning is paramount.
Regards, Barry
I have extra credit attached to a written final. The questions involve their research of homework that they have done earlier in the coarse. The extra credit rarely ever exceeds total points.
I don't feel extra credit is a good idea, it can inflate a grade and decrease overall critical thinking necessary for studying and passing exams.
I don't give extra credit. I explain to the students that we expect doctors, teachers, plumbers, etc. to be competent, to know their areas of expertise. Would they want these providers to have gotten their jobs on "extra credit"? How scarey would it be to think our services are provided by people who could pad their grades and know nothing. Our clients expect the same from us. We discuss this issue as it pertains to K-12 students, four-year colleges, and technical colleges.
