There have been many instances where we had hoped a teacher would give us extra credit all because our grade was close to becoming an A or B. Extra credit is a way for students to possibly raise their grades. However, there are many flaws in the way teachers give extra credit. One of the flaws is that teachers give out extra credit during Project Shepherd, which is when students are allowed to bring canned food to help out families in need during Thanksgiving. Teachers most especially like to give extra credit at this time. You will hear them say that if you bring a certain amount of cans you will receive a certain amount of extra credit points. Even though it motivates students to bring cans they shouldn't need extrinsic awards to motivate them, but simply the kindness of their hearts. Since students know they will receive extra credit that is why they bring cans.
There are some teachers who give out extra credit for certain things that have nothing to do with education. For example, there was teacher that was giving out extra credit to students who dressed up during homecoming week. Even though that may encourage students to participate in our school activities and allow them to show more school spirit it isn't a reasonable way to give out extra credit. If teachers want to give out extra credit it has to be for academic reasons. What are your opinions on extra credit? Do you think teachers should give out extra credit at all or do you think it's fair when teachers give out extra credit for things such as dressing up?
I believe extra credit should be given when students put in extra work. For example, Mr. Headley gave all of his classes an opportunity for extra credit by doing a write up on one of the presidential debates. Like you said, teachers shouldn't be passing out extra credit like candy when students do things that aren't even related to their academics. I completely agree with you.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Nina. I think extra credit should be given only if the student actually had to put in effort. I don't think that extra credit should be given out for doing something non-academic, like bringing cans in for Project Shepard. Extra credit should be given only if hard work and effort was required.
ReplyDeleteI agree also that extra credit should only be given if the student put in effort. Extra credit should not be given for petty things such as dressing up or committing a charitable act. That devalues education and the meaning of extra credit. Of course regardless, students will take the extra credit opportunity if it means getting their grade up.
ReplyDelete