Linda:
Shool policies often dictate the limits of of what can and cannot be done. Some prohibit EC altogether. Following the course objectives, and meeting the student learning outcomes, there should be little need for extrea credit anyway.
Regards, Barry
i do give extra credit the same way but what a great idea of using the points in the areas they need it.
I beleive that extra credit should not be a way to catch up after missing alot of class or doing poorly on assignment. It should be a reward for additional knowledge displayed by the students. For example, giving a multiple choice test and have one critical thinking/short answer/essay question that requires them to think on their feet and apply concepts that they have been taught. That way the diligent students don't see the "slackers" passing, making their work seem worthless, and those who are having a more difficult time can experience a bit of success if they get it correct but arent further discouraged by losing additional points. This method also helps to give the small addition of points that may help a grade go to the next level(ex: high "C" to a "B" etc.) and build their confidence.
Rebecca:
No disagreement about making up a missed test for good reason. I say that situation is different from giving extra points to deadbeat students who have not earned the points (or knowledge), yet are allowed to make up extra work (and extra credit) to pass the class. To me, it's not about the grades or points, it's about the learning. Wow...especially in a medical or health-focused career area.
Regards, Barry
I used to present an "optional" extra credit opportunity to my students around the mid-quarter time. Initially, almost all of them were interested in doing the assignment, but by the time the due date came (end of the quarter), I actually recieved very few. I used it as a conderation into their final grade. those who were on the fence benefitted from completing the assignmnt. Now, I don't offer the extra credit opportunity, but try to keep the students informed of their progress each week, along the way.
Rachel:
This sounds like a great idea. I would add that if the material is important, why is it not included in the required curriculum?
Another way to look at it is to assign those "extra chapters", and reward the students that took the time to complete them by non-point based recognition, such as naming students who turned in the EC, or reading from the submitted work and crediting the student that submitted it. The thing about EC is it is often arbitrary, and some students can feel it's unfair (gives some students an advantage because it's not required).
As a teacher, the last thing I want students to think about me or my classes is that they are unfair.
Regards, Barry
Shalika:
My view on EC is it should be very, very limited. I don't believe substituting the performance of defined learning objectives with arbitrarily set "points" because the student failed to earn all of the points (learning objectives) they should have. For me, it's like a parent: we don't help our kids by lowering our expectations or being lenient. Tolerent, compassionate, patient, helpful, encouraging - sure. But the student has to assume ownership for the expectations we've given them.
Regards, Barry
Mariann:
Attendance would be one of major reasons students might seek EC. Since attendance in school and most workplaces is so important it would seem illogical to award or "reward" students for one undesirable characteristics by giving EC. Your policy underscores that principle.
Regards, Barry
School district policy is that extra credit has to be offered to all students. However it can only be awarded after all course work has been completed. Extra credit assignments are handed out at the beginning of the semester with a set deadline . It cannot require any 'special' tools to complete as a students economic factor cannot affect the ability to do the assignment.
Mariann:
Boy, with things like meds, and measurements, I think there's little room for error. I don't think EC would be appropriate for this kind of skill. Maybe a little bit in a few select areas would be okay.
Regards, Barry
Michelle:
Many teachers will agree with you (and just as many can justify EC's need). It is a controversial topic. I think adjustment or bonus points are one thing, but extra credit, especially in lieu of required assignemnts is not appropriate.
Regards, Barry
That is a hot topic at our college. We are not allowed to give any students extra credit. The job that the students will have in their futures will not offer anything for them as far as extra credit. I feel that they should do their best and if they are struggling, that is what tutors are for! If you work hard for what you want, extra credit should never be needed!
I have always assigned chapter work to chapters that are not in the course for extra credit. I feel it gives the students a taste for some additional subject matters. The completed assignments are due before the last day of the course, they are worth ten extra credit points on exam(not final exam) grades. Once they turn in the assignment I take a few minutes to speak with them about the chapters content.
Hi Barry, I would like to say that I am definitley a candidate for Awarding students with extra credit. However, the extra credit is given only to the students who answers the questions correctly or to students who might spell a bonus word correctly. I present the extra credit to every student in the classroom
I am a clinical instructor and we do not use extra credit for people that are absent. If a student is absent more than 2 days in a 2.5 month clinical rotation they need to repeat the term.
Mariann U
I am 50/50 about extra credit. I have noticed from past experience that students who are constantly absent and do not make effort, can still pass and make up all with extra credit still managing to get the same grade as a student who has good attendance and makes effort. on the other hand a student who makes a effort an effort and has good attendance should be able to make up test if there is some kind of emergency or unseen event.
I am a clinical instructor and therefore most of my tests are skills oriented. I do give medication tests and some basic math tests. Sometimes extra credit may bring a student from an A- to an A. Extra credit as the module stated should be used when students want to do extra small projects and only be credited with a few points so students work hard the entire term.
Mariann U
Hi John:
Your institution is not unlike many, who feel that points and grades should based on merit, performance and assessment of knowledge. I feel givin EC is okay if it's it's hust a small potion of their overall grade, and the EC does not substitute points for missed assignment points. I don't thinl it's fair for students to have the attitude, "I'll forego that assignment, and make up the points with some extra credit". So unless there a set policy (institutional or instructor), the "rules" have to be clearly stated to minimize misunderstandings.
Regards, Barry
Though I would like to award the opportunities for extra credit, I can't. My oganization will not allow it.
Hi Deborah:
When student can demonstrate adequre mastery of required material, EC is okay, as long as it represents only a small part of the grade. Grade inflation, grade distortion, fairness, subjectivity, and lowered grading standards are the results of too much extra credit applied or allowed in a class.
Regards, Barry
