Thank you Brad...

I recently read a great article by Brad Kuntz- it was as if the man had read my mind and could articulate far better than I. The article was called  Focus on Learning, Not Grades

I read so many articles written by fellow professionals all explaining why extra credit is wrong, Mr. Kuntz expressed it so well.  Now we are at that time of year and students are realizing their semester grades may just reflect their understanding and competency in a particular subject and HORROR- that may not be an A.

Imagine you are going to work, but while you are there, you spend your time doing anything other than your actual job. Then you realize that your pay is a reflection of the work you have been doing.  So you start to work extra hard, but you haven't actually paid any attention to the job description- no problem. You can simply ask your boss to give you extra time, or a bonus even.  All will be well and you will still take home that paycheck.  I may be wrong, but I don't see that happening too often in the work force. Why do students and often times their parents believe that good preparation for life is to ask the teacher for extra credit?  Imagine receiving emails like this on a regular basis- Dear (insert teacher name),  
I am only x points away from the next grade up; or I have worked really hard but the material I studied was not on the test; or, simply, I really need an A in this class. Followed by- Is there any extra credit I can do to boost my grade?
I will help organize the stock room, make signs, bring in tissues.  Anything.  Sincerely (insert student name)

When does any of this boost a student's understanding of the material? If a student typically scores in the low B high C range of all assessments, how can the student be demonstrating complete mastery of the material in the class, in other words earning an A? When as a society will our focus on the learning and growth of a student rather than the emphasis on the grade?  I have been guilty of giving extra credit- a challenge question on a test to be answered only if all other questions have been answered; attendance at an external lecture of interest to the student and connected to the course. I will not give extra credit just to boost a grade, to give the false impression that this student really understands the material. 
I along with many of my colleagues at Notre Dame want the best education possible for our students- that does not mean giving them free points.
So, if you are reading this, next time you say "No, there is no extra credit to boost your grade, but you can meet with me to go over your test/quiz/homework" remember, you are not alone!