To XC or Not to XC: Let’s Start a Barfight Over this Question

extra credit, teaching philosophy

Few topics in teaching provoke more passionate discussion than the use of extra credit (XC). Some adamantly oppose XC while others use it abundantly. One set of authors (Norcross, Horrocks, & Stevenson, 1989, p. 199) likened the debate to a barfight! This session will use that passion to uncover the philosophies behind both sides of the debate. Further, we will examine methods of offering XC. Finally, we’ll see which methods work to allay XC objections and how XC methods fit into XC philosophies in general. Whether this session turns into a barfight at Jim’s Place is another question!

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