I think that extra credit should not be able to change a students grade by more than a few points. If the extra credit changes the final grade by a letter grade or more, I believe that too much extra credit has been awarded.
Carol,
I agree, EC is mostly about points and grades, and less to do with real learning. I too will give a bonus question on exams to let students show me they've learned in a way that is their own and not promted by me. Also, I'll drop the lowest quiz score, but all quizes represent work the student has legitimately eaarned. Short of that, I don't favor just giving away points for missed assignments, poor performance, or flimsy reasons for not performing
optimally.
Barry Westling
I rarely give extra credit. I feel it is more important for the students to know the information than to give them ways to "make up" for missing answers. I will however assign an extra small project or assignment. I have some attendance issues and have found that the students tend to come to class now that they may miss an in class only assignment that cannot be made up.
Angie,
In general I feel if it's inportant, then students should be held accountable for the material. I do drop the lowest quiz, and usully ask a bonus question on exams that allow the student to express their comprehension of material beyond what I've asked for. These are both related to the required course curriculum, and only help students in their demonstrated performance - there is nothing "extra" that I'm giving (except opportunity). Just giving points for no work or extra assignments to make up for missed assignments, or poorly completed assignments does not demonstrate proficiency, and that's vital in my medical program. Perhaps in some other disciplines, that is not as critical.
Barry Westling
I think extra credit should not be worht too many points, because students figure they can just use that and not perform well on tests or projects. I like the idea of having extra credit on a test or something that pertains to the class. Since, I am teaching students to be teachers, I will have them write lesson plans for extra credit. This enable me to give them more practice in writing lesson plans and assess their knowledge of this process. Usually, worth 5 to 10 points.
Elena,
I agree in certain courses, EC may have a role (however, should be small role). For me, in a medical education program, there is little wiggle room for students to be excused from demonstrating proficiency and competency in health matters and content that will ultimately be used in patient care settings. And in the work setting of most jobs there is no EC. That said, I know each instructor and institution has to decide what works best for them.
Barry Westling
In my opinion, giving extra credits are a very good idea. Sometimes the studying material is too hard and students cannot get a desired grade. Extra credits idea can help in this particular case. Doing research paper, giving presentations, writing essay, etc. can help students get the grade they want. Having the highest grade is crutial, especially if it's prerequisite course where every single point counts. It helped me when I was a student, and I believe that it can help my students.
Christine,
Right, and most educators and many institutions would tend to agree with that sentiment.
Barry Westling
I agree that extra credit should not be given at all. Do it the first time.
Zachary,
For me, extra assignments that improve learning are terrific. I don't give credit, as in extra credit, or extra points for these assignments. It's the learning I'm after, and just handing out points for little effort that contributes little to the students learning really does little to demonstrate learning. I am not in favor rewarding students for not doing assigned work.
Barry Westling
I feel extra cretit should only a small fraction of what the overall grade is. I feel extra credit is a way to help a student if he or she had a bad day and did poorly on an assignment. Having extra credit way to much may give the students an excuse mot to put as much effort on the actual graded assignments
Nicholas,
In the past, I have dropped the lowest quiz score, and have given a 5-point bonus question on a final exam. These show flexibility but really affect the overall grade vey little. Of course, all students get the same treatment, equally. That's only fair.
Barry Westling
Nicholas,
I agree policies have to be fair and available equally to all. As for EC, I just choose not to give it. Others may have differing views, and that's OK. I'm concerned with learning, less about grades and points ('e.g., the "A" student who has mastered only 75% of the course material?). So if it's needed information, I require it without an option to not do the assignment.
Barry Westling
Nicholas,
My own opinion is if material is needed and important for students to know, I require it, and don't give student an option to do it or not (they choose to do this enough on their own without prompting from me). I understand each instructor and institution has to decide what works best for them. For me, I choose not to give significant EC (perhaps some bonus points on a final, but that's about it).
Barry Westling
Extra credit should be given to students to students really interested in the course.
However, every student must be given the opprtunity to have this chance.
Extra credit should be given to students to students who really show an interest in the course. Though, if you give the extra credit to one student, all must have a chance to attain it.
I make it a policy that if I give extra credit for one student, the rest must follow. This will eliminate any rebuttals from students who did not take the opportunity for this work.
The extra credet should count as a minimum toward the final grade. The class is already structured with a course contact in all areas of study.
If the student was willing to do the extra credit to help their final grade, then they have earned it!
Carmen,
I feel a little different with regards to EC. IIf it's a required topic or material, I expect students to learn it, and their grade will reflect to what degree they did learn. Smoothing over poorer work, missed or failed assignments by giving EC only helps inflate grades artificailly, and does little to contribute to learning. I choose not to offer EC. But each instructor and institution has to decide what works best for them and their students.
Barry Westling
I only give extra credit to those who show interest in the class course,
Claire,
Great rationale to support a "no extra credit" policy. I'm with you.
Barry Westling
