Extra Credit
Extra credit should be given only when students are borderline passing.
Paul,
I believe anything outside of class that a student particiaptes in that promotes their learning is beneficial.
Barry Westling
I'll also give opportunities for extra credit by having the students attend outside workshops of professional development events. This gets them out into the community so they see other professionals in the field.
Denise,
Many would agree with you, myself included. However each institution and instructor has to decide what works best for them and their students. I believe grades should reflect the dree to which a student has learned.
Barry Westling
I do not do "Extra Credit" I find that most of the students that are asking for extra credit are the ones that do not what to do the work but want the grade. I also find that it is unfair for the students that do have the 95's or more in the course and who do you give them the 20 to 30 extra points when the grading is based off of points.
Israel,
I will give extra assignments if a student ask because they sincerely want to go above and beyond. But I choose not to give points above what is stated in the course syllabus.
Barry Westling
Monica,
Great. As I have maintained, we are concerned with student learning and extra credit is about points and grades, which in some cases may not achieve the same purpose.
Barry Westling
I agree with you Barry. I personally give extra credits to those students who demonstrate interest and have passed all the assignment but would like to improve their grades. I will give another assignment or project to be able to gain some extra credits.
I usually will give earned points for small assignments, I never mention they are 'Extra Credit" and it is offered for all students
Michael,
For my classes, I can't pass a student (with extra credit) if they are borderline. For medical classes in my program, if 70% is the minimum passing and they have a 68% or 69%, I can't just give a assignment that raises their grade in order for them to pass. And for me, I feel it's not fair to the other students who have done the required work and received passing grades. However, I believe each instructor and institution has to decide what works best for them.
Barry Westling
