I do not shoot for doing Extra Credit at this point. After doing the course I understand about and how extra credit should work. Adding the points in the quiz's or tests as a total of the points to so you do not go over the total number dose not increase the grade number higher than it should be.
When I give the opportunity to do an extra credit assignment I offer it to the entire class.
Hi Katherine:
Right! And jus getting by is not our goal. My expectations is that every student will learn all the material the fullest measure they are capable of. Sometimes, some will fall short. But if we're taliking about learning, I serve no helpful purpose in giving additional assignments to alter their grade if they've missed the necessary information. I'm interested in learning, less so about grades.
Personnaly, I just plainly avoid EC. I understand policies vay by institutions and teachers.
Regards, Barry
Hi Kara:
I'm in agreement. EC seems more about grades and less to do with learning.
Regards, Barry
Hi Kenan:
Perhaps 1 or 2 points on some assignment. But 1-2 percentage points, thats just too much adjustment for my preferences. Opinions vary.
Regards, Barry
Hi Rebecca:
Extra credit is becoming less used due to requirements being mandated by state officials and even Congress that students are held accountable for actual work, not fluffy easy work that requires little related assignments and earns an easy grade. Like yours, many institutions just don't allow it. I don't think it generally contributes to learning, more related to a grade.
Regards, Barry
I beleive extra credit is a way for students who are lazy or not submitting assignments in on time a way to regain what was lost. If the students are dedicated to getting a good grade then they should be able to do the assignments in a timely manner and get the grade that is deserved during the course.
Extra credit is not given in any of the schools I teach or is something that we suggest to happen.
Hi Scott:
I prefer a bonus question on a test that demonstrates critical thinking. At least the student is earning the credit. Generally I think extra credit is more about grades and less about learning.
Regards, Barry
Not much just to lift up borderline grades like a 79.4 goes to an 80 if extra credit is done.Thats more than enough!!!!
Hi Andrea:
Just to clarify my understanding of what you are describing, is this assignment mandatory? If so, is it fair to actually call it EC?
Regards, Barry
Hi Robert:
Bonus points are one thing. Extra credit that is possibly problematic is the type that allows a student to pass a class when they haven't demonstrated a capacity to do so.
Regards, Barry
Hi Robert:
Very true, in fact some institutions don't allow it at all.
Regards, Barry
Hi Leonardo:
Awarding EC is viewed different ways by teachers and institutions - some not allowing it at all, while others making long lists of rules for giving EC. I feel if there is content that's importnat it should be included in the required assignment, and if missed, the student takes the hit for missing it. That's real world and the real world of work as well. Each has to decide on their own.
Regards, Barry
Hi Latasha:
Giving EC is controversial; many schools and many more teachers don't allow it at all for reasons of fairness, grade inflation, and potential diminished learning outcomes for students. I tend not to award EC in my classes. Each teacher has to decide for themselves.
Regards, Barry
Hi Faith:
I choose not to use EC much because although it does help raise a students grade, it doesn't usually help in their learning. I want to be fair to ALL students. But the decision to use EC resides with the teacher and institution.
Regards, Barry
Hi Jeff:
Teachers and institutional policies vary, but I'm with you. If we're teaching adults, completing assignments on time and with appropriate substance is required for succesful learning. EC only artifically raises grades and misses the point of thorough student learning.
Regards, Barry
I do not believe that extra credit should be given at all. Emphasis must be placed on the importance of completing the required assignments that are covered in the course syllabus.
If a course has a possible 1,000 pts for all assignments then that is all that should be allowed, unless there are some extenuating circumstances beyond the control of the student. Students who miss or turn in assignments late or not at all should not be rewarded with extra credit. In addition, if students are not turning in quality work worthy of earning a high grade should not be rewarded with extra credit.
Hi Fran:
Your institution is like many. EC is more about "grades" and less to do with "what learning occured". Policies and preferences do vary among institutions.
Regards, Barry
Hi Lori:
This is OK, if the emphasis is on getting a grade. Assuring a student gets the learning needed is more important to me. For me unless all students are given the same assignments, there is an element that is imbalanced, and some students may even feel the action is unfair. For me, I just don't give EC, but each teacher and institution has to come to their own decion about it.
Regards, Barry
Hi Sultana:
Sounds like a good balance. My only issue with EC is points are given for extra work at the expense of assigned work, or poorly performed assigned work.
Regards, Barry
