denise hawken-collins

Since all classes consist of a different number of total points, why not look at the extra credit according to their overall percentage. Then would we only allow 2-3% in order to raise a grade from a B- to a B?

Barry Westling

Hi Denise:
I'm afraid there will never be a concensus about even giving EC or not. I would say that if used, it should be a very small part of a grade. But it should be substituted for required material.

Regards, Barry

Barry Westling

Hi Denise:
CORRECTION: I meant to say "But it should NOT be substituted for required material.

Regards, Barry

Edna Wilkerson

I certainly agree that extra credit should be of a lesser value and must be available to all students, not just for those who ask for it.I believe that most students who look for it are motivated to see themselves do better.

Barry Westling

Hi Edna:
I see your point. Doing better vs. getting a better grade? Some successful programs do not use grades at all but merely assess the level of mastery of a a subject. But I know the reality is we hare at the mercy of grading systems at most of our institutions. I believe small amounts of EC is probably OK (although it can skew grades), but should never be substituted for required assignments.

In other words, I don't think a student should get credit for something not assigned (EC), but not do a a required assignment. EC can be grade inflation vs learning. But every teacher institution has to decide how they want to address tis issue.

Regards, Barry

Alison Vratil

I agree. Offering extra credit is a wonderful opportunity for students. They can either choose to do it or not, but it is only fair that they complete the whole activity to earn any extra points.

Barry Westling

Hi Alison:
I respect your opinion regarding extra credit. This is a very controversial subject - many teachers are strongly opposed to using it, while others embrace it warmly and abundantly.

I'll offer no opinion other than to say EC can be viewed as unfair (by strong students who do all of their work and get good grades), and can skew your grading system. On the positive side, it can encourage poorer performing students to not give up if they see and use the opportunity given by their teacher. I think ultimatey each teacher and institution has to come to it's own conclusion to what degree (if any) EC will be used.

Regards, Barry

Helen Robur

Hello Barry,

I absolutely agree with you. I always give my students equal opportunity for the EC and make it clear that it is "Extra Credit" and they have to do "Extra" work if they willing.

Barry Westling

Hi Helen:
Super. Fair is fair. I (like most teachers) revolt at ever being accused of being unfair.

Regards, Barry

Mike Wells

I agree with your statement. Extra credit should be offered to all students equally, and not be greater than a 5 points. I do not want extra credit points to be so great that the student focuses on the extra credit in an attempt to offset the normal points of the exam.

Barry Westling

Hi Mike:
Yes, some EC when awarded fairly and in small doses is okay. Many teachers will have different opinion from this, and feel EC can and should be used to assist students. It's kind of a controversial "hoy button" topic for some with opinions polarized on both sides.

Regards, Barry

Kim Silverman CHEP

Hi Barry,
I agree that some students may view EC as unfair (skewing the grading system), however, I argue that they have the same opportunity to do the extra credit themselves. Another thing regarding EC...it is a great opportunity to share more information with the students. In some ways, it may be more effective as the students are actively pursuing the answer rather than having the answer given to them and forgetting it as they walk out the classroom.

Barry Westling

Hi Kim:
You've made a good argument for EC. I think we may be talking apples and oranges.

Here is an example that exemplifies my point. Suppose there was a class and the grade came from 10 homework assignments, 8 quizzes, a mid-term, final and 5 written papers (project). The papers require research, citations from at least three sources, and have to follow a proper format (MLA or APA).

Now suppose a student failed to turn in some of their homework, and their quiz grade was below average. Their mid-term was also just below average. Of the 5 papers the student has only submitted three, and earned average grades.

Now, the student asks if they can make up a poster (tri-fold) to sustitute for their low grades. This extra credit would be applied to the project grade component.

Although creative, and perhaps this students learning style lends itself to artwork rather than writing, I think it would unfair to approve this project and award points by agreeing that all students could also do a poster project in addition to the required assignments (whether the other students needed the points or not).

In contrast, bonus points on a test (to assess critical thinking), or throwing out the lowest quiz score are common examples where a little boost can help students in a small way, and the opportunity is given to all class members.

You can see where students may feel the EC in the first example is unfair (wasn't required, grading criteria changed midstream, classmate earns extra points to raise grade).

* I believe all grading criteria should be clearly stated at the beginning of class with no changes

* I believe EC given in substitution for required work is unfair.

* I try to keep classroom grading policies similar to workplace situations.

* I believe students have to take responsibility for their efforts.

These are my opinions, and I understand instructors have differing viewpoints regarding the awarding of EC. It is one of the more controversial topics we deal with.

Regards, Barry

Pamela Hettinger CHEP

I agree with you that the points should be small, just enough to slightly raise their grade if needed.