Bonus Question for exams
I am not a fan of the extra credit, nor am I a fan of bonus questions on exams. My department however does a lot of bonus questions all exam but the final. I have continued this as well but I am making mine worth precentage points instead of question vaule point. I would rather just not have them. comments?
Dennis,
For me, the main benefit is for the student to share knowledge they may have learned but not asked for.
Barry Westling
i am not a big fan of bonus questions.when i do use a bonus question,i make sure the question pertains to pertinant information concerning the subject matter that was either discussed in the chapter or in the lecture portion of the course.the question may not have ever been presented during any other quizzes or exams.
Martha,
Seems fair and a good way to reassess while there's time to make a difference. And I like your approach that allows students to express their perspective about the topic. This helps breed critical thinking.
Barry Westling
I offer 2 bonus questions on my midterm exam worth 2 points each. The questions provide me with feedback about things the student learned and felt were important. Those points are not major grade changers but the feedback is invaluable to me and it provides students an opportunity to provide feedback without speaking out in front of classmates. This feedback has enabled me to make some changes in my teaching approach without waiting until after the quarter is over and that group of students is gone.
Kelley,
When students are able to independently demonstrate their knowledge through a bonus question, essay, or activity, I think that's worthwhile. But I don't thing extra credit is reasonable to make up for missed assignments, or to raise grades artificially.
Barry Westling
My school does not allow extra credit or bonus points. There are 2 areas in the electronic grade book for 2 "quizes" outside the required ones. I use these for what otherwise would be "extra credit" material.
Megan,
My personal preference is more aligned with your practice. I think extra credit doesn't really contribute much to learning. It seems like it's more about points, percentages, and grades, and less to do with learning. I know many instructors feel it is a way to motivate students -- to boost their morale. But I think there are better ways to do that than to skew the grades buy "easy to earn" points.
Barry Westling
