In my opinion, extra credit is awarded by points. If a student is doing well in class but has fallen behind, for example having missed class due to dire circumstances, I feel that an extra credit project, quiz, etc. would be in the best interest of the student. This would motivate the student to succeed in the class and would give him or her the chance to improve their grade.
Extra credit can be beneficial when most of the class is not doing well and students need a little boost. Typically I don't give extra credit but instead try to work hard in preventing this from happening.
Hi Mark:
My feeling defers away from EC as that seems to be a grading concern, where as I am intereted in students learning. Giving away points may artificially raise a grade, but if a student misses out on some essential material, I haven't done anyone a favor.
But opinion varies, and institutional policies provide guidence for what is and is not acceptable.
Regards, Barry
Hi Robert:
For me, the grading system is set up to measure learning, not award grades. EC is purely a grading entity. If a grade is lowered due to even legiitmate reasons, that's kind of a "life happens" situation and will be accurately reflected in the grade - not artifically raised.
Regards, Barry
Hi Michael:
Yes! Giving credit for work not assigned in lieu of missed assignements that are required or partially completed sets a very poor example for courses and programs where a specific or career is in the offing for it's graduates. What employer want an employee who can't follow the rules?
Regards, Barry
I'm not a fan of extra credit assignments. In most of the classes I teach it just doesn't seem to lend itself well to what I'm trying to accomplish. I will use it if a student is clearly not getting it. Then I'll tailor something just for that student but it will have minimal impact on their final grade if any at all. There's something about rewarding a student for not completing an assignment or missing a due date without a satisfactory excuse that I have a problem with.
I agree. there is a place for extra credit but it should not be abused. I would not use it because a student was absent on a day you have a quiz.
Hi Stephanie:
Right. EC has the potential for grade inflation, and more inportant than grades, students may miss out on learning needed material. What a shame.
Regards, Barry
I agree. I have come to the realization that students do expect extra credit and ask for it at every opportunity. As you said, extra credit has its place, but should not be abused.
Hi Nisa:
EC is not for me. I don't fault those that use it, but I feel if it's important it should be assessed and appropriately graded. Some bonus points or applications in an essay my be OK, since they probably represent very little of the overall grade.
Regards, Barry
Hi Mitchell:
Applying information taught in a class is a version of critical thinking, and should be done as often as applicable. If it's valuable, why not just incorporate it into the curriculum in the first place? Nonetheless,applied material demonstrates learning has occured.
Regards, Barry
Hi Jim:
If your institution and grading system allows for this, a small amount of EC is OK. To me, grade inflation (EC) can have poor consequences if the material being taught is really critical or essential.
Regards, Barry
Hi Isaac:
I have nothing against extra credit assignments - it's the awarding of credit that poses a problem. Perhaps a bonus question on an exam might be OK because it's significance to the overall grade is miniscule. But in situations where EC makes up a gap in failure to complete required assignments, that's not fair to the individual student or his/her classmates.
Regards, Barry
Extra credit can motivate students to study beyond required context.
I sometimes use extra credit in the form of an optional challenging question on an exam. It is more of a brain teaser than an easy way to get points and I find that it is a good way to stimulate the students. If they happen to get it right I add it on to their exam score, but it is never more than 3 extra points.
This is a good idea. My own use of extra credit means the student has to s-t-r-e-t-c-h a little to use the classroom material in an application. These are not gimme points!
If I use extra credit at all it is only to allow students who have "just missed" an "A" (88 or 89 instead of 90) to earn an "A." If I use it the student must have done extra work on a specific class assignment which is typically an individual project that is part of the final exam.
I believe extra credit has it's place, and should not be overly used, as the students may come to expect and depend on it as an academic crutch. Providing this opportunity for students should be done so equally and fairly for all-protocols should be uniform and consistent throughout the process.
I usually put one extra credit essay on my exams, worth 2-3 points. I typically have 4-6 essay questions on a test, and they are required to answer all but one, or all of them for the extra credit. Students appreciate this because some may draw a blank on a question and still be able to answer the others. The ones that are able to answer all of them typically have earned those extra points... but also aren't usually the students that need the extra credit!
I use extra credit to reinforce the lecture and cover addition information on the subject. At the end of the module each student has to prepare at least ten questions base on different portion of the lecture as a review. This is where the creative of the class really comes alive. Points are awarded base on knowledge, contents, how effected the information is to the class.
