I detest, abhor and HATE extra credit. My students would take advantage of doing extra credit over regular work at any time if I offered it.
Recently, I had several students admit to me that they did not study for a test. Then, in front of the whole class, they told me how unfair I was because I didn't offer extra credit. I explained to them that if they did what was required, they wouldn't need extra credit. The complaining students all received very low grades on their tests, assuming they would be able to "make it up" because other teachers allowed this practice.
I may put an extra credit question on a test from time to time. Every student has an option of answering it. It is part of a level playing field. However, I will never give extra credit freely outside of a test question. It's a learning institution, so I want my students to learn.
Well-stated, Lisa. I agree with you 100%!!!
I believe in estra credit. It should be only 2%-5% of the final grade.
It seems as if I'm in the same boat as many instructors, discussing in the forum. I do not allow extra credit, do to the consistency of the other classes. We have three classes being taught, at different times, on the same course content. If I chose to do this, we would have to all be on the same page and follow the same guidelines. However, I do offer make up work for medical reasons, funeral service's, or jury duty, with valid documentation. This is stated in the syllabus and consistent with other instructors.
Hi Jessica:
Many instructors and schools woul agree with you. Additional work for the benefit of learning is great and I'd support that. But, giving credit for it apart from the regular assignments and assessments may help raise grades or give points but really does little to help learning.
It's like who wants the "A" student working who can't answer a question or understand a key concept?
Regards, Barry
I think in most cases it inflates grades. I personally don't beleive in extra credit and don't offer it. Of course now at our campus it isn't allowed, so my policy fits right in. I feel that at a career college if you don't complete an assignment or attend class and miss valuable opportunities for learning, it is similar to not showing up to work or completeing projects. Students need to take responsibility and treat college like work.
Hi Virginia:
John Lennon said "Life is the thing that gets in the way of your plans". I think under certain circumstances, some leeway should be given to students for ligitmate reasons. For me, that'd be limited to a family death, hospitalization or severe illness, or maybe a significant childcare issue.
But leeway should be along the order of grace to turn in assignments late without (too much) penalty. Giving additional assignments to substitute for regular assignments is not fair to classmates. And it may lead to measuring their class performance inaccurately.
So, as a policy, in my opinion, no extra credit.
Regards, Barry
Awarding extra credit should not be a norm in the class. Everyone should be on ttime with their assignments. Extra credit for missed assignments if they were ill or in the hospital
Hi Lisa:
Students wnat an opportunity for grades that are even with their classmates. EC tends to distort that opportunity.
Regards, Barry
Hi Julie:
Your institution is like many that have proactively developed policies addressing EC. Grade inflation and fairness are the primary reasons most often cited. Your techniques decribed is more like a bonus, which to me is a bit different than EC.
Regards, Barry
I try to teach my students the same way an employer would as I am in Management. I let them know that there are certain expectations that go unrecognized and are necessary to complete our job assignments.
Same for me. Extra credit is frowned upon and there are no provisions for grading it.
Hi Barry and class,
The university that I teach for does not permit extra credit for missed work. If I offer extra credit, it is offered to everyone, either an extra question or an extra "real world" experience to share with the class. The credit counts for participaton.
Hi Lisa:
Many schools have policies against awarding extra credit and many instructors are also strongly opposed to it as well. It is a very controversial topic. I agree in principle that if a subject, topic, or assignment is required, it should be part of the regualr curriculum. Just like in the workplace.
Regards, Barry
Hi Gloria:
Hey, I've done that too. My version when the class as a whole has performed poorly is to have the class retake the exact test, the second time with notes, books, drawings - any resource except each other. Obvioulsy the scores skyrocket, and for the effort, I added a small percentage owing to the work they completed in a open book style assignment.
I justify this as using the test as an instructional instrument, not just an assessment instrument. I'm not sure how wothwhile this technique is and I'm not promoting it. I'm merely sharing I've done something similar, albeit, it has been probably 15 years.
Regards, Barry
Extra credit is not an option in my school. I do not like extra credit as it takes away from the regular assignment's credibility.
While reviewing the Course Outline, I discuss that no extra credit is given in the class. However, and very seldom have I done this, I will give a different version of a test when the majority of the class have done poorly. Everyone including the few who passed has an opportunity to completely re-take the test after I check for understanding.
Hi Chris:
I can see that a few extra points is probably not going to make a big difference. I like the competion among classmates. Great idea!
What I believe is teaching is not about points or grades, but learning and imparting expert knowledge to my students. Personally, I don't give extra credit. But I do try to be creative, have fun, make class interesting, and bring out the unique personalities hidden in each student.
A key trait: be natural, genuine, honest, be yourself. Students will appreciate all your efforts more when they recognize you being you, and usually, students like sincerity.
Regards, Barry
I have a contest in one of my classes that is a week by week contest almost like a tennis ladder with a champion and a challenger each week. The ultimate winner of the contest gets 2-3 extra points on their final grade.
The couple points is not the actual reason for the contest, the point of the contest is to get students engaged and excited about the upcoming class and to try and outdo their peers. By creating a little "healthy competition' in class I feel that students are inspired to work harder to prepare for the next class.
We do the challenge at the beginning of class to start off with something fun each week.
Also by making the contest for some extra credit I am not penalizing the students who are not necessarily inclined to be involved in competitions.
I do feel that the contest in generally enriching for everyone.
Hi Susanne:
You are being quite kind and generous. I appreciate that attribute and wish it was more evident in our society.
When it comes to grades, I would not be inclined to give EC points to push up a grade level. Some call that grade inflation, and in many schools, there are strong institutional policies guarding against this practice.
I just think the question comes down to learning, not points or grades. A student who moves from a "C" to a "B" but has not mastered the material has not accomplished much. When I've done this in the past, students don't necessarily even appreciate it, and good performers may feel it's a bit unfair.
Each teacher and school has to decide how they wish to handle this controversial topic.
Regards, Barry
