How to Use Extra Credit Effectively

How to Use Extra Credit Effectively The use of extra credit can be an effective teaching and learning tool in any content area classroom, but only if the extra credit is used in the correct manner. Generally, extra credit is offered to those students who want to bring up a GPA. Poor performance on a heavily weighted test or a paper or a project may have dropped a students overall grade. The opportunity for extra credit may be a motivational tool or a way to correct a misjudgment or miscommunication.  However,  if used incorrectly or inequitably, extra credit can also be a point of contention and a headache for the teacher.  Therefore, a teacher should take time to look at an offer for extra credit critically and consider the implications it may have for grading and assessment.   Pros of Using Extra Credit An extra credit assignment may provide students with an incentive to go above and beyond the class material. If it is used to enhance lessons, the offer for extra credit can help deepen the learning for students. It can also help struggling students by providing them with additional learning opportunities while allowing them a means to increase their grade. The extra credit may mirror the original assignment, be an alternative test, paper or project. There may be a section of an assessment that can be taken again or the student may suggest an alternative assignment.   Extra credit may also be in the form of revision. The process of revision, especially in writing assignments, can be used as a way to teach students to reflect on their progress and abilities in writing and take steps to strengthen it. Revision may serve to establish conferences to receive highly beneficial one-on-one attention. Rather than design new extra credit opportunities, a teacher should consider how he or she can reinforce the skills to improve student performance on a previously graded assignment.   Another method for extra credit is to give students a bonus question(s) on a quiz or test. There may be an option to answer an additional essay question or solve an additional word problem.   If extra credit is allowed, teachers may adopt the kinds of the assignments that are voluntary extra credit must still be assessed just as rigorously as the assessments for regular coursework. Perhaps there are extra credit opportunities that allow students to try extended activities such as inquiry projects based on  questions, problems, or scenarios. Students may choose to volunteer in the school community or in the community at large. By allowing the student the opportunity to choose how they will earn extra credit points could be a way to give them control over their academic achievement. After checking school policy, if you wish to offer extra credit in your class, you will need to make sure of the following: Do connect your extra credit to other lessons in class or to classroom pertinent current events.Do provide the same extra credit opportunities to all students.Do consider your grading time when assigning extra credit.Do make extra credit assignments interesting and pertinent for students.Do tell your students when you assign extra credit how much it will be worth and how you will grade it.Do make sure that you are not outweighing your required assignments with points for extra credit.Do set a clear deadline for when extra credit is due. Cons of Using Extra Credit On the other hand, too many opportunities for extra credit in a course could result in an  imbalance in grading. Extra credit assignments could outweigh the required assignments, and the result could mean that a student would pass a course without meeting all the standards.  Extra credit that is graded for a â€Å"completion† grade can skew an overall grade. In the same vein, some educators believe that extra credit reduces the importance of curriculum assessments by providing students with a way to circumvent the curriculum. These students could avoid  requirements by still have the ability to increase their grade. Moreover, an extra credit assignment could boost a GPA, but obscure a students actual academic ability. There are also some schools that have a no extra credit rule in their policy handbook. There are some districts that want to eliminate the extra work a teacher has to do after assigning extra credit. Some general rules to consider are: Do not create extra credit assignments that are unconnected to your curriculum or standards.Do not grade each students extra credit using different standards.Do not create so much extra credit that students are able to pass without completing the required work.Do not make spur of the moment extra credit opportunities that are not equally available to all students.Do not allow busy work like copying from a book to be extra creditDo not allow students to turn in late extra credit as this is just an accounting nightmare.Do not create extra credit assignments that the educational value is not equivalent to the student or teacher effort involved.

Two Weeks Notice Email Examples of How to Write the Perfect One

Two Weeks Notice Email Examples of How to Write the Perfect One So you’re moving on and have to send in your two week’s notice email.   The panic has inevitably set in. First of all, know that it’s much preferable to tell your boss in person, then provide your employer with a formal letter of resignation. If you have to quit your job in a hurry and you’re too close to two weeks to write a formal letter, you may be stuck sending a two weeks’ notice email. Giving two weeks, after all, is an important and respectful way to gracefully exit a job. It’s standard practice- the least you can do! Keep in mind that some companies may ask you to leave immediately upon receipt of your letter, but the offer of the extra time to help ease the transition is almost always the right move. If you find yourself in the scenario of having to write a resignation email, here are a few tips, as well as a resignation letter template.1. Name the date.Explicitly state the date when you will leave the company. This gives your boss a clear sense of your timeline and establishes a paper trial.2. Keep it concise.There is no need to go into detail. Convey that you are resigning and when your last day will be. Stifle urges to overshare about your reasons or your feelings and all the rest.3. Offer to help.It’s never a bad idea to offer to be extra helpful in your final two weeks- i.e. helping to train your replacement or shoring up unfinished projects.4. Ask HR questions.You should CC HR on your email. Now’s your chance to ask any questions about benefits or your final paycheck. You should include where to send your last paycheck, and perhaps a forwarding email address for future contact.5. Check it twice.There’s absolutely no shame in thoroughly proofing your email multiple times. Double check everything- spelling, dates, names, grammar. Make it unimpeachable. A classy exit.Still confused? Here is a template you can use as a guide:Subject: Two Weeks NoticeDear [Supervisor’s Name],This letter is to formally give notice that I will be resigning from my position as [Your job] at [Company], effective in two weeks. My last day of work will be [Date two weeks from when you send].I have accepted a position with another company that will further my growth and career development, but I remain grateful to everyone at [Company]. I have learned so much and gained such great experience being part of your team and I appreciate the time and attention you have given me during my time here.During the next two weeks, I am more than willing to help make the transition as smooth as possible. Please let me know how best I can help, whether that be helping to recruit my replacement, or assisting in their training.Again, it has been a pleasure working with you. I wish you, and everyone at [Company] continued success in the future.Sincerely,[Your name]Your Namename@personalemail.comCell Number