Hi Charlene,
Right! And perhaps, that is the best motivation by the student. There are non-tangible ways to recognize outstanding performance, such as peer recognition, displaying an aspect of the project, having the student read, recite, or present all or part of their EC creation. These types of recognition, although not reflected in a grade, can be long lasting and perhaps, even exceed the inspirational or motivation factor a student receives. "Intent vs. content". (Intent - extra credit; content - what a student learns).
Barry Westling
I do not believe that extra credit should be given especially for college courses. I think the students should be dedicated to their education enough not to have to dangle a carrot before them to get them to do well in class.
It has been my experience that most colleges do not allow extra credit and I understand this policy. It can be difficult, though, when excited and motivated students want to take on additional projects beyond the course curriculum;due to the no-extra credit policy they cannot be rewarded for their work via grade. However, those who still choose to do extra work--for the love of the subject and love of learning--are doing it without motivation of a grade and this is really wonderful to see occur!
Hi Angela,
Right. We want to focus on learning, not grades, and I think EC is mostly about grades.
Barry Westling
I believe that extra credit so have a very limited, if not non-existent role in final grades. In the current teacher roles that I have held, extra credit is simply not an option. Instructors can opt to minimize the late penalty, but the overall expectation is that all work that is created in the syllabus reflects course content and does not include any type of extra credit.
Hi Emily,
This makes sense. It's not extra credit, but extra consideration, and that is almost always appreciated by students. It may reflect to the students that their cares and is understanding that achieving perfection is difficult or impossible. I also like this becase the adjustment is based on persormance of assigned work, versus giving extra work in lieu of assigned work.
Barry Westling
My students often ask for extra credit assignments, and I've been reluctant to give these EC assignments because my concern is that it inflates the actual measure of performance. Instead, I may drop the lowest score of a particular assignment, which provides, I think, a more fair and balanced approach in that every student can benefit.
Hi Dellene,
Sounds great! If it's valuable, I might suggest why not include that project as a required assignment rather than EC? I choose not to offer EC, but each teacher has to decide what works best for their class. In my classes, every assignment is integral to their ultimate performance functioning in a medical environment, so EC doesn't fit well in my classes.
Barry Westling
I give extra credit for projects--example: a student has to do a powerpoint presentation in front of the class on a subject I choose. They work for that extra credit!
Hi Michael,
EC may be helpful in some classes where it it has no tangible bearing on their actual work performance, in a career or professional sense. But when skills, tasks, or applications of information is required, fudging a bit is not helpful in my opininon. A great examaple is CPR. Who would want a student learning CPR to miss some of the key skills, fall a bit short, but be given EC to compensate for an otherwise lower grade (or failing grade)? For me, there are more problems giving EC than rewards, so I choose not to give it. Again, each teacher and institution has to decide on their own. This is my personal bias.
Barry Westling
I find the idea of extra credit is great for the students but touchy for the Instructor.
Extra credit, when offered, MUST be available for all students not just the ones that are falling behind as most instructors use it.
What do you do if a student that is carrying a 98% overall grade approaches you and asks for extra credit? Any small extra credit activity will now place him/her at over 100%.
Does any body award a letter grade of A+++++?
I try to limit my extra credit to lab tasks and not so much for class. I/We do however, offer a One Test Retake option. If certain requirement is met the student can request this option. The student has to be in good standing in all areas; Lab, Class & Attendance (90% attendance rate or above), and the original test, passed or failed, must have been taken during the scheduled time. The student Must also have requested, and participate in tutoring (on-line or peer), during the course. The student must request the retake option two days prior to the end of course exam. This retake is then given on the last day of the course.
We explain this option at the first day of each course cycle.
I find this relieves some of that "test anxiety" some students experience by letting them know that if they don't score well (or up to their own expectations) there is still a little light at the end of the tunnel.
Hi Laura,
My experience would support students rarely get an "aha" moment from receiving EC. They're more likely to have a "whew, just made it moment!" I do believe a student might be motivated to do something creative and related to the subject matter, but I would rather a student do that on their own because they want to, not because they need the EC to get a higher or passing grade. But each teacher has to decide what works best for their classes. My bias is to not offer EC.
Barry Westling
Hi Niani:
Food for thought: what if the extra points allowed the student to pass, when otherwise, they wouldn't have?
Regards, Barry
Hi Jackie:
Just be careful that we don't give so many extra points, a student who would have failed suddenly passes the course without having learned anything.
Regards, Barry
Extra Credit for a student can be fun! They will feel much more optomistic if they have been discouraged in themselves. It will also ENCOUARGE then to do research on their own...and develope and enhance their own learning styles. This will show them what makes them "tick"...what will give them the "a-ha" momemt!
Hi Gina,
Each teacher has to decide how run their class and be in conformance with their institutional policies. Many do not allow for EC. Some of the 'A' students may feel the teacher is being unfair. That's the last thing that any teacher wants to be labeled. In my experience, EC results in only lose-lose, so I choose to avoid it, as I feel I am not helping myself or the students by giving EC.
Barry Westling
Hi Gina,
I don't think we help students by awarding EC. We may help alter or inflate a grade, but I think we do little to help their learning. In some courses, the grade a student receives may not be so critical. In career-oriented professions, these is no place for EC in my opinion.
Barry Westling
Hi Shantel,
Good post. Responsibile students follow the rules, try their hardest, get all the help available and remain satisfied with the results. In a work setting, it's the same. If we are preparing students for a career, students need to realize EC doesn't exist in the workplace (unemployment certainly does!).
Barry Westling
Hi Rochelle,
I have similar sentiments. My bias is to offer no EC whatsoever. Other opinions exist, and each has to decide what works best for them.
Barry Westling
I believe that extra credit should only bring up a grade to a level grade if the student has turned in all necessary materials in the course. They must have completed all tests, and coursework. Extra credit will just boost their grade from a B- to a B, for example.
