If students show me they have worked hard and are cooperative I will award extra credit. 1 point can mean going from a D to a C.
Hi Teresa:
Early in my career (when I was much younger and didn't know better), I awarded EC pretty regularly.
What I do now is create ownership and a partnership, as this is how good businesses succeed. On day one, when I review the syllabus, I point out there is no extra credit. Then, I spend time telling how each stduent can get an "A" in the class if they follow my instructions. Nothing magical, just an understanding of expectations, such as:
* TODAY, do one small thing towards getting that project done, even if it's not due for weeks or months; repeat this activity every day.
* Work backwards from due dates, asking, "what would have to happen to get a great score?".
* Spend at least a little bit of time every day reviewing material.
* Practice, Practice, and Practice. That's how atheletes and muscicians perfect their craft, so it is with course work.
* Don't let me off the hook; come in early or stay after class - somehow, avoid letting even one day pass if help is needed.
There's much more. These are proven examples that will work in virtually any class. I want my student to learn, not earn points.
Regards, Barry
Hi Christy:
Many teachers would agree with you. We want students who can think on their feet and work hard and effectively at their jobs. There's usually not extra credit for doing your job.
Perhaps an overused example but I bet 6-7 times out of 10, my drive up, fast food order is flawed. That's what extra credit will get you. My opinion.
Regards, Barry
After going through the training module, I must admit that my view of extra credit has changed a little. Hmmm...Extra credit should be a way for students to show off extra knowledge they have? As a student, I would just do the extra credit to ensure that I had the highest grade I could possibly receive in a course. It is interesting now to look at it from this view.
Hi Alonzo:
Grading systems can allow providing extra credit and it needs to be considered some of the pitfalls. Among them are artifificial grade inflation, good students annoyed or feeling weaker student are getting a break (unfair to good students), and possible inconsistency.
I think if we agree that a class purpose is learning required information, extra credit loses it purpose. Are we interested in student learnin, or grades and points (where full learning may not have occured)?
Regards, Barry
I wholeheartedly agree - many instructors at my school allow for "make-up" papers when a student has missed some schools days. However, as we are a hands-on school with daily participation grades, writing a paper does nothing to teach them the skills they missed in class. To me these make-up papers are essentially extra credit that inflates individual grades.
I am not an advocate of EC. I find that student who request EC are the ones that have not put forth a good effort in their learning or are often absent/tardy class. When they realize their grades are suffering. When I offer EC the point value is very miminal.
Hi Gerry:
Avoiding EC is a better pokicy overall. Others will disagree, but your point is well taken, students who don't need EC will take advantage of it, and those who need EC points, have missed asssignments or other activities that have brought their scores below satisfactory.
I sometimes say, "is this about points and grades, or is this about student learning?". An "A" student who can't function is a poor example to share with the community or fellow workers at work.
Regards, Barry
I feel that if a student has time for extra credit,then they really don't need EC to get a good grade. They have finished their work and want EC to do to fill their time. The student that has absentee issues, or is struggling in class and would benifit with EC points, doesn't have the TIME to do EC because they really need remediation or tutoring. I often thought of giving EC in professionalism for tutoring a student, but then again, the student tudoring doesn't usually need EC!! It is a catch 22 situation, so I have avoided EC in most instances.
Hi Linda:
EC is usually regarded by many as unfair, adds to grade inflation, and (as you point out) allows students to substitute required work for prefered EC work.
But I would agree that if whole chunks of material is being missed by the majority of the class, then reassessment of the class (objectives, timing, sequencing, lab, media, resorces, delivery style) ought to occur to assure the maximum use of the students time and learning is being achieved.
Regards, Barry
Hi Kilyoung:
Devils advocate speaking: Extra Credit is viewed by many as unfair, diminishes the hard work completed by the serious students, and contributes to grade inflation. But many teachers believe in it and use it. This is my opinion.
Regards, Barry
Hi Bruce:
Among the biggest problems with EC is fairness. In the instances you describe, if you can defend or rationalize to anyone who complains about unfairness that it is justified, I think that's an acceptable exception.
Regards, Barry
Hi Elizabeth:
There are many ways to recognize student achievement, be it formal or informal. One way, as you describe, is to simply add one type of credit into a different category. Recognition for quality work should be identified and praised. In all cases, fairness must rule.
Regards, Barry
My college doesn't allow extra credit to be given as it may appear to be "unfair". However, I can give points on homework done in the workbooks and add it to the tests.
Hi Melanie:
All institutions and intructors need to come up with a policy that fits their culture and preferences. I always try to relate school and program polices as close to worker and employer expectations as possible. Usuall, ther's no extra credit in the workplace, but there are tolerences for varying degrees of compliance. So it really comes down to what you and your school is willing to adopt and enforce.
Regards, Barry
I agree 2% - 5% of extra credit towards there final grade is perfect, because it's not to the ones that have been performing on time. I allow 1 extra credit per student if they have a valid reason for missing a day or an assignment.
-Melanie
I give "extra credit" on a test - it covers all informtion covered since last test and all issues discussed -- I add the "extra credit" on to the grade they get from taking the weekly test
I don't like extra credit. Some students depend on that rather than concentrating on the basic knowledge intended for them to assimilate in the course.
I only use x.cr. if the entire class is having problems. (along with my assessment of the course)
If I find the problem is with the course and the class NEEDS extra credit, I need to do some changing of the course.
Hi Robin:
Yes, she has a good point. - Barry
Hi Rebecca:
I think theres a difference in bonus questions on tests and extra credit. EC suggests doing something the student prefers and omits doing something the teacher expects. Not good. Not fair to students who do all their work either.
Regards, Barry
