I agree EC can lead into improving a grade that doesn't really reflect what the student learned.
I do not believe that extra credit should be awarded. If we are trying to emulate a work environment then we are not helping a student be prepared to work. It isn't fair to students who have done their work on time and have completed it successfully.
Michelle,
Small adjustments are like a spit in the ocean, insignificant. But when whole portions of grades are adjusted (upwards) based on EC points, that is too much, in my opinion.
Barry Westling
To me, when I hear "extra credit" I think "Second Chance" and in some cases "Third Chance" and so on. I personally dont like to award it. As it happens, there is enough credit in the course to get a perfect "A" without needing extra!
I do not like to give extra credit, however I do agree with Sally about dropping the lowest quiz or homework grade. We all have had bad days and while teaching adults, they still have life that inturupts their studies. We need to keep in mind that students are trying to balance many things and that it is not always black and white when it comes to missed assignment or homework.
Edward,
I and the majority of teachers would likely agree with you, as would the institutions that employ them. I just choose not to go down that dark, murky road (been there, done that, don't like it).
Barry Westling
To date I have not found a reason compelling enough to offer extra credit. I can go along with dropping a quiz or homework assignment grade, but tests are just that, a test of the students knowledge and his ability to apply that knowledge.
Kirsten,
The only redeeming aspect I see to extra credit is that it should be called "extra activity", in that it allows a student to showcase their talents in way that's unique to them. But most classes already have a category for that, called "projects". As you state, and I agree, EC usually monkeys with points and grades and less with learning. For me, I just choose not to offer it. Other opinions may vary, and that's OK too.
Barry Westling
I have modified my stance on extra credit over the years. In the past, I offered quite a bit of extra credit. Now, I use EC very sparingly and my students generally have to 'work' pretty hard for the extra points. I know that one reason I changed my position on extra credit was that I had students who received grades that were well above the level of effort they put into the course and of knowledge gained. Also, I work for a few different institutions and some have very strict policies either prohibiting or seriously restricting extra credit.
Terry,
There is nothing old school about avoiding extra credit (EC). I would call it "Reality School". As you say, there is no EC in the workplace, so why set students up with false expectations?
Barry Westling
Kiona,
I too want to motivate. My encouragement, recognition of good work, and alloiwing students to be involved in the instructional process all are components of motivating students without the distortion of the grading system. But I understand opinions differ, and that's cool, too.
Barry Westling
I guess I am "old school". I have only offered EC a couple of times in extraordinary situations. The syllabus is covered day one line by line. The students know what is expected and that missing an assignment will cost them. Life rarely lets you extend deadlines or not submit materials (like the IRS).
Agreed. However I feel that in a small way it is motivational for those students who want to excel. You are right though, it is purely for extra points and often times doesn't help with learning.
William,
Each teacher and student has to decide what works best for them. Our target is learning, not points or grades. So if that focus is maintained then...whatever.
Barry Westling
Kay,
Right.Recognition, prasie, even giving exceptional students assignment above and beyond what the course calls for are great.It's the awarding of points that I choose not to engage in. I just feel it contributes to entitlement, expected in future classes, and in the real workforce, there is no EC.
Barry Westling
Kiona,
My personal feeling is EC shuld not be used at all. Opinions vary, but I believe EC is about grades and points, whereas I'm most most concerned with student leaning, which EC rarely contributes to.
Barry Westling
Extra credit should be given for extra work, not just for knowing the answer to a question. If a student spends time outside of the classroom working on something to share with the other students, I think that deserves some extra credit.
I, too am not in favor of extra credits. However, if a student goes up and above, I make sure he/she is praised in class, does a presentation to share,etc. I believe this goes along way in pride of the student and helps others see benefits to applying themselves.
Thanks for this discussion.
I think that extra credit is great but that it shouldn't be used to greatly increase a student's grade point average.
I agree Jeff, I don't believe in extra credit. I believe that adults that are enrolled in college courses should be responsible. In my opinion, extra credit should be for students taking high school courses.
