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Show lessons, Fail 2003 page 27 To Give or Not to Give: Is Extra Credit Necessary? BY BECKY JENSEN Whether the Runnin' Utes are going for an extra point, or a regular at the Union snack shop is overfilling her soda cup, many of us search for ways to get a little extra in our lives. It is no different in the college classroom. Many students believe extra credit points are the only way to get a leg up in the world. When junior Ann Acosta read over her Current Research in Communication Disorders syllabus, she felt overwhelmed at the amount of points necessary to earn an A. The first thought that crossed her mind was, "I wonder if she offers extra credit for anything?" Indeed, this particular professor offered an opportunity to earn extra credit. However, not all professors on campus offer extra credit opportunities. Extra credit is defined as points that are available through extra assignments beyond what is required for the class. Professors decide whether or not to offer extra credit points. Some professors even choose to directly address the issue on their syllabi, so that there is no confusion for students during in the semester. Some professors feel that since extra credit assignments are offered to all students, then the extra credit assignment becomes just one more requirement for all students to complete. However, this raises the question of "who" extra credit points are being offered to. While the points are offered to everyone in the class, this doesn't mean that everyone will take advantage of the opportunity. Many times extra credit points are offered but seldom do all of the students try to raise their grade. Sociology professor Marcie Goodman believes that by offering students the chance to earn extra points, . those who want them will take advantage. jtm Those students who don't care as much as others, won't take the opportunity. "Only occasionally do I offer extra wL K- credit, but when I do, usually it's the better students in the class who take advantage. It's funny because they aren't the ones who needed the extra points in the first place." On the flip side, there are students who, despite doing poorly on required assignments, still do not take advantage of extra credit opportunities. Some students are satisfied to just pass a class. They are not caught up in earning the highest grade. Jonathan Mann, a sophomore history major explains: "I work two jobs and go to school full time. It is hard enough to get the required assignments done, let alone anything extra." Mann feels that professors are helpful in offering the points, but some students are in situations where they just want to get through the class and graduate - with or without honors. For students who obsess with earning the top grade, extra credit opportunities expedite their quest. Whether five or 25 points are offered, the driven student will seize the |