Case
Extra Credit

Mona is very close to receiving an A on the content that has been covered in her art class this quarter. She approaches the teacher and proposes that she provide a sketch to show she has mastered the techniques presented during the quarter. Should the teacher give her the extra points?

Solution #1
Our goal as teachers is to ensure that our students comprehend and learn concepts. With that in mind, if Mona can prove that she has mastered the techniques she should get the extra points. BUT, it should be an option for the entire class. The environment of learning should be promoted to all students and extra credit needs to be offered to all students so you are not showing favoritism.

I must agree with this solution. Extra credit, when appropriate, should be provided for all students in the class not only a select few.

yes!

Solution #2
I as a teacher don't like giving extra credit unless I give all of my students that option. I would not give her the extra points and see how she preforms on the end of course test or assignment. If Mona has truly mastered the material she will show it on the end of course test or assignment.

I do not agree with tis. The A is important to her and if she is coming to you and wants to prove she knows the material then let her. What is it going to hurt.

I would not just give her the option, that's not fair to my other students. The reason for quizzes and tests is to acquire the knowledge you gave and show what you know.

Solution #3
In general, I do not give extra credit. I feel as though students should apply themselves and do their best every day, not just when it is close to grade report time. I would explain this policy to Mona and tell her that I am proud of her accomplishments thus far and that I appreciate her hard work; however, I would explain to her that if I let her do it, then I would have to let everyone else do it as well and that is not my policy.

I agree with this case study. I will utilize this information once I become a teacher. I enjoyed reading this idea.

Solution #4
The teacher can avoid this issue if he or she makes a decision about extra credit when the syllabus is created. Having a policy on extra credit allows students to know where they stand all year. It also helps the teacher if another student complains that he or she did not get an extra opportunity. To answer the question, the teacher should or should not give the points based on protocols that are already in place.
Solution #5
If a teacher feels that a student has earned an A academically, I feel that a teacher can round up the final average. I have done this before actually. The student's end of quarter average was an 88.4 or 89.3. I have bumped up a formative or summative grade to enhance the final average. However, I have only done this when I feel the student was worked at exceeding measures. Offering extra credit at the very end of a quarter is not necessary. Personally, I feel extra credit should be given throughout the quarter. The teacher could offer extra credit on a specific assignment, assessment, or task. The teacher could've offered an extra credit assignment that correlated with the standards and content during the grading period.
Solution #6
I would not, and do not, give extra credit unless I provide the opportunity to my entire class. It isn't fair, and it is showing favoritism, to just provide an extra credit opportunity to just one student.
Solution #7
The teacher can give Mona the extra credit points; however, they should be given only if she can show mastery of the techniques. Most often, extra credit assignments can be used as a means of giving students the opportunity to practice skills and concepts that they are having difficulty with. Although some students lack because they do not give genuine effort, some students genuinely have trouble grasping concepts. Those students who do have trouble should not be penalized for those who may be a little lazy.