Extra credit
The issue of extra credit has come up for me a couple of times. In both cases, I had a student who was failing my course come to me near the end of the term and ask for extra credit so she could pass. In both cases I said no to this request due to her poor grade being a result of not coming to class and not doing any of her assignments. Does everyone think I made the right decision in those cases?
Ethel,
Each instructor and institution has to decide what works best for them.
Barry Westling
I do treat all students equally, yet depending on the situation I do offer extra credit.
Tracy,
There are benefits to extra assignments that help learning. But giving them in lieu of regular course work to make up or improve a grade is not reasonable to me. I mostly choose not to offer extra credit, and I state that in my syllabus so there is no reason to ask.
Barry Westling
I believe that if I see that the student is working hard and trying her best to understand the materials then i would offer extra credit otherwise i would not especially if they dont show up for class or do the assignments given to them. They need to put the effort into their education you can only do so much to help them.
William,
My interest is in student learning, not giving away points to make it appear student students are passing their classes.
Barry Westling
Surprisingly, I am a no extra credit guy as well. It is a complete waste of time and allows students an area of complaint by allowing a few to circumvent the normal learning path without giving the whole the same opportunity. It also takes up class time away from others. The list just gets bigger.
Felix,
Many institutions and instructors do not allow extra credit. If the emphasis is on learning, then unearned points are not applicable. I can understand this sentiment.
Barry Westling
I think expra credit should be available for successfull student
Barbara,
Right. And mostly, even if offered to all, EC is something I tend to distance myself from as I want to work on learning rather than points and grades.
Barry Westling
I have had students request EC for the same reason. I too declined, as it is unfair to the students who tried their best all along, but perhaps are not good test takers. I have found students try to take advantage of the process to inflate grades they have not earned. It should never be offered unless it available to all, not just one or a few students.
David,
I agree. I think trying to earn points by extra credit in substitution for required work that was missed overlooks our proimaryt purpose of providing instruction that leads to student learning. EC seems to have more to do with points and grades than student learning, and in most cases, it's requested for the very reason you cite. So in my opinion, I don't approve of EC, and I state that at the beginning of my courses.
Barry Westling
