I allow extra credit when it is obvious that a student (or students) would receive a higher letter grade if he/she/they received that extra credit. And, I encourage it if a student has done well on all aspects of their requirements other than written tests, as some students consistently don't do well on written tests.
I allow extra credit when it is obvious that a student (or students) would receive a higher letter grade if he/she/they received that extra credit. And, I encourage it if a student has done well on all aspects of their requirements other than written tests, as some students consistently don't do well on written tests.
I allow extra credit when it is obvious that a student (or students) would receive a higher letter grade if he/she/they received that extra credit. And, I encourage it if a student has done well on all aspects of their requirements other than written tests, as some students consistently don't do well on written tests.
Hi Marty:
I see your strategy. I've always tried to stay clear of using the grading or instructional process to penalize students, as they may adopt a poorer perspective about the class, and some may lose respect for their teacher for "tricking" them. Also, there may be legitimate reasons good students are unable to attend the class on a given day.
A compromise might be to discuss some material in such a way that absent students will miss out when those questions are presented on a test or quiz when all are present. There's hardly any argument about "well, it was discussed in class".
If attendance issues exist, maybe some programmatic or intitutional policy can be developed to address it if it's a chronic occurrence.
Regards, Barry
Hi Nicole:
For me, if a student wants to do something special and is not asking for extra credit, that's terrific. I think you're right in that the students will probably be more motivated in class. And there are methods other than points to recognize extra effort, besides points.
I think in most cases if there is information that is worthwhile, it ought to be included in the regular, required curriculum. Negatives such as grade inflation, fairness, subjectivity, and reqwarding marginal performance are among the cheif reasons I choose not to give extra credit.
Ultimately, each teacher and institution has to come up with their own rationale and policies regarding this controversial topic.
Regards, Barry
Hi Eric:
My background is medical. I see hardworking students all the time. Some are very successful and others have to work even harder just to get by. Some don't make the cut at all.
In some instances and professions, there just can't be room for too much variance due to the potential consequences of harm to patient, like, and limb.
Basically, I feel, the required curriculum is there to be sure the student meets minimumn expectations. If the extra credit is important, it shouldn't be extra credit, and should be part of the required curriculum.
Regards, Barry
I like to give extra credit when less than half the class is in attendance. This way a small number of points can be awarded simply for doing the right thing and coming to class
If you include extra credit in a course, it should be used to encourage more enthusiasm in learning. I do not think that extra credit should be used to compensate for missed points in a quiz or homework. There are students who work quite hard to achieve good grades with their exams and homework. I do not think that someone who has not been putting as much effort into the required assignments should be able to get extra points and recieve a higher grade than the other students.
I believe extra credit may help students who may have low grades, but are hardworking. Although it doesn't mean that hard workers are entitled to extra credit.
Hi Mike:
Many teachers would agree with your opinion. I tend to agree with the rationale that if if the material is important and needed, then it ought to be included in the required course grading criteria. Another example: workers don't get an opportunity for extra credit when they miss assignments at work.
Regards, Barry
Hi Mark:
Yeah, one of the biggests complaints I've witnessed is better performing students often feel the awarding of EC to marginal students to boost their grade is unfair. I agree, however I do have to say that if a policy is in the syllabus and all students are informed, proving something unfair is weak. What's true is the good students "feel" it's unfair.
Regards, Barry
I don't believe in extra credit; the student needs to work at earning any points that are part of the requirements of the course; all students should be entitled to a grade based on the same criteria.
My Institutions policy is to give the Instructor the option of offering a make-up assingment at 50% of the original point total. this is for students who may have missed an assingment. in all fairness it should be offered to all students, whether they missed the assingment or not.
Mike:
I believe extra credit for learning purposes, but not for grading purposes. If a student misses a whole bunch on necessary class lessons, their grade should reflect their performance as a result of that missed time. Extra credit can be given to help them learn the material, but I don't think the student should receive credit towards their grade for this. Substituting EC credit for required course material just doesn't seem fair to me. It's like the missed information wasn't needed!
Others will have differing opinions, I understand. This is mine.
Regards, Barry
Extra credit should be offered for those students that want to learn as much as possible and do all the tsks they can. If a good student had difficult circumstances or an event that hurt their grade, they will do the extra credit to make up for this. I do not believe you should be able to pass because of extra credit. If you are going to fail, extra credit should not help you to pass.
Terri:
I believe if there are set course objectives and well written student learning objectives, and these are presented thoroughly, there should be no need for extra credit. Even the name "extra" infers something beyond what is expected. I'd say if it's helpful and useful, then it should be added to the required assignments.
If EC is used, I don't think credit in the form of points should be given. "Maybe", dropping the lowest score on your quiz, or some type of bonus like that could be considered. But giving extra credit in absence of required assignments, or poor performance is what learning effort and performance is all about.
Is it the grade or the learning we want to emphasize? Just my opinion.
Regards, Barry
Laquita:
Many teachers approve of extra credit; just as many are opposed to it altogether. It's kind of a controversial topic. Generally, I think it's use should be limited, at least in awarding credit for it.
Regards, Barry
James:
Off topic for a moment, adding critical thinking questions is great because one of the ways students learn to think critically is by practicing and actually doing it.
Extra credit rewards the slakers in my opinion and devalues your grading system. A bonus question, curve grading, or weighted answers make more sense than to give extra points when required work was not done, or done poorly. If it's important to the course, it should be added to the required, graded material, which is fair and equal for all.
As you point out, better performing students will not appreciate knowing their work and grades were impacted.
Regards, Barry
Hi Sara:
You present a good example why many teachers oppose the use of EC. Even when it could potentially help a students grade, many students are mute to the effort that's required to improve their grade. Thanks for sharing a great case example!
Regards, Barry
Extra credit should not be used for specific reason for student to pass class. But to encourage them to review more of the material content so that understand it more clearly. If a student placed time in the material for extra credit though, then they should be rewarded by it.
