I think this is a great discussion question for instructors. I do offer extra credit in very specific ways. One, they can always do more work on their homework and presentations as this is work that everyone must do.
Second, I offer extra credit assignments but ONLY if you have a good class standing (C and Above), have good attendance and are working to improve their grade. I make it clear no extra credit is given to individuals as the last minute just to pass. How many instructors have heard, "Is there any extra credit I can do to pass?" To this I respond, "No. You needed to be doing your work all along."
I do think students who are trying, or perhaps struggling, often deserve an extra chance to show progress.
Hi Oriole- Thank you- I am so glad that you enjoyed the course! Have a great holiday week-end! Susan
This was the best course I have taken so far. It really made me think. I know I will write better tests, an I don't give extra credit.
Most of the other instructors do however and this quarter, I decided to give an extra skill based project for extra credit. Mainly because the test results came in so poor.
I find in my skill based class most students learn from the demo and not by reading the text. So my text based test is not effective.
I agree as well. If I provide any extra credit for personal homework, not test, it will entail a much higher standard which would not normally be required for an assignment previously assigned. I put great emphasis on this at the beginning of the course, and most students would prefer to do the work on-time, versus having to complete an entirely different assignment with higher stipulations.
I do not offer extra credit on tests but I offer it to every students on homework assignments. That really involve significant extra work (specially in algebra that always is a challenge course) and I make sure that the students work hard for these points.
Excellent point! You made me think about how I use extra credit. I was giving students the chance to earn extra credit towards their test grades but I am reconsidering and may use extra credit towards participation or homework grades. Homework is where students are given the opportunity to learn and if they are willing to go the extra mile and do a little extra work I think they should be given extra credit but you are absolutely correct and employer would not let you make up for crashing a database by writing a 1 page paper. The most important thing we can do is prepare our students for the workplace. If they know they can pass by writing a 1 page paper we are not preparing them for the workplace.
Hi Justin - Thanks for your post to the forum. I loved your final answer- "Would you be able to write a 1 page paper to make up for what you did wrong:! Bottom line is of course no! Best wishes for continued success in your teaching career. Susan
I do not agree with extra-credit if it's applied to the overall score of the student. I have found that when extra credit is offered there is the perception that if you don't do so well on a test or exam you can make up for it with the extra credit. This appears to lead students down the path of least resistance when it comes to preparing for the next test or not studying as well as they know they should.
That being said I gues it can be usefull with selective application. Like if class participation is worth %10 of the grade I sould see allowing them to make up some points there, but tests are tests, students should be held accountable there. In the workplace your boss is never going to tell you that you can make up for crashing the database by sriting a 1 page paper on what you think you did wrong!
Just a thought.
I disagree...it is not unfair to the students that don't use it. If those students decide not to go those extra steps then that's their choice...that's life.
