Barry Westling

Hi Dan:
Some grading scales that are based on rubrics award points on a sliding scale based on how the students performs - and it's possible the total points could exceed 100%. In this setting, I think awarding the points the student has earned is satisfactory. I do not think awarding points to substitute for missed assignments is appropriate. But opinions about extra credit is very abundant among educators with pros and cons on both sides.

Regards, Barry

Dan Williams

I think extra credit is ok as long as everyone is given the same opportunity to get it.

Barry Westling

Hi Dan:
I think extra credit is only applicable if students have completed their regular assignments and they want to do more. It helps no one to substitute extra credit assignments for required assignments.

Regards, Barry

Pamela Ragan

I agree that extra credit may be useful for students. However there must be extenuating circumstances for the credit, and the student may not receive more credit than the total of clas credits available. Situations that would be applicable for extra credit include a death in the family, illness, or injury. Total credit obtainable must be determined within the confines of the course syllabus.

Barry Westling

Hi Pamela:
I think if the institution has policies that address the awarding of extra credit, the extenuating circumstances you describe may be considered. I feel that substitution of the regualr assignments and awarding extra credit is unfair to the class cohort of students.

Regards, Barry

denise hawken-collins

The only situation I could see a need for extra credit is if the whole class does poorly on one assignment. Instead of throwing out that assignment, they could complete extra credit to show their understanding of the topic.

Barry Westling

Hi Denise:
That would fine if your institution allows that sort of thing. I would just call this "an additional assignment" rather than extra credit. Perhaps it's just semantics. If the students learn the material, the grading is less important to me anyway.

Regards, Barry

Norma Arellano-Salazar CHEP

Yes, if it is out there for everyone to do, and they are made aware of this extra credit from day one in their syllabus, along with all the rules, outlines to be used and due dates to be turned in so no one will say they didnt know it was out there.

Barry Westling

Hi Norma:
To propose an opposing viewpoint, EC can skew grades, be perceived as unfair, and put the focus on points rather than learned material or inhanced knowledge. I think each teacher has to come to their own decision how they feel about EC, conform to their institutional policies (many institutions do not allow EC), and try to not let the grading system get in the way of providing competent instruction.

Regards, Barry

Sara Williams-Clark CHEP

I offer extra credit to all of my students. For example, I am a Pastry Chef Instructor, so during lab I may say, if anyone can find me definition of whatever I will give extra credit. That way it is all on the students to achieve it.

Barry Westling

Hi Sara:
Some teachers are very strongly opposed to giving extra credit. I think a small amount is OK, if it's not in substitution for missed assigned work. Basically, if students don't learn everything the class calls for, but then extra points are given for something the class doesn't call for, that skews the grades, students haven't met all of the objectives, and, although the student's grade may improve, their knowledge may not have.

Regards, Barry

Frances Guerra

Dan,

I agree that everyone should be given the same opportunity to earn extra credit. I always enjoyed having that option and elected to do so when the extra credit project was interesting for me.

Christina Coughlin

I think Extra Credit should be limited, if used at all.

Barry Westling

Hi Christina:
Depending on your institution and definition, EC implies doing something above and beyond what is expected and awarding credit for that. What I tink is if it's important enough to receive credit, why isn't it the "required curriculum?"

Grade adjustment is a similar example, but different in that it is applied across the board to all students.

Bonus points are different because they add to the total points and may help a student earn a better grade. It's different because it doesn't substitute extra, unassigned credit for required assignments. Just my opinion, and there are many varied opinions and approaches.

Regards, Barry

Joseph Morgan

I had not really thought about it much. However, if the course is graded on a curved system in relation to other students, I think you make a good point...it really isn't even "extra credit" in that sense.

Barry Westling

Hi Joseph:
I think you're right, "curving" is different adding additional points on top of those that are required. EC opponents claim it's not fair, can be arbitrary, and consitency can be a problem. Also, what about the lower scoring or missing information the student didn't learn?

Regards, Barry

Trena Camp

I agree with you,I think extra credit is alright also, some students appreciate a little help.

Barry Westling

Hi Trena:
One consideration for this topci might be, "what is the possible negative outcome of using it"?

For example, should we allow a student to do extra credit, and pass a class when they have not demonstrated they understand the main ideas?

Regards, Barry