extra credit
I found that students are excited about extra credit. I try to offer extra credit when ever avaiable to do so.
Clive,
There's a sentiment I have that suggests "if the information is important and valuable, it ought to be included in the required curriculum". However, I know instructors like to boost student grades. Too much, and grades get skewed, and it may distort the purpose of our grading system, that is, the measurement of learning.
Barry Westling
extra credit is not for everyone and it needs to be administered carefully , ensuring that the learning objectives are laid out for each student.
Helen,
Great Sounds fair, does not artifically inflate grades, and gives a little leeway. Nice way to conduct class (I do the exact same thing).
Barry Westling
My good students are the ones who request extra credit. I think sometimes they compete for who can get the highest grade. I will give bonus questions on exams, but I do not have other ways of earning extra credit. The bonus questions are a max of 5 and not worth the same points as an exam question. Everyone has the same opportunity.
Irma,
Yeah, I rationalize it by framing my classes in that, if it's important to know, then it'll be a part of the required curriculum and assignments. While there may be value in something the student does on their own, that's great if it helps them. But I choose not to give EC points for something like that.
Barry Westling
Barry, I agree with you. I do not give extra credit either. I am a nursing faculty and the students need to pass the examinations in order to progress.
Luciana,
I understand everyone has to decide what works best for them. For me, I choose not to give it. Good students consider it unfair, it contributes to grade inflation, and subjectivity in giving and grading EC assignments can be difficult. Extra credit is about points and grades, and in my experience has little to do with real, meaningul learning.
Barry Westling
