Extra Credit

There is nothing on this earth that perks up the ears of a student and gains profound and focused attention than the words "extra credit." It's only the second full week of school, yet I already have a few students asking about the possibility of extra credit and making up grades. If I could generate this much energy and enthusiasm for the actual reading and assignments, let alone discussion, the classroom would be the most happenin' place imaginable.

I've been trying to think through where these words developed such power. They are an electric motive force. I can turn a class full of ennui and boredom into instant interest, just by mentioning "the words." I've wondered if there is someway to do this subliminally, you know, like, "take out your books, please--extra credit--and turn to page 14--extra credit--would someone like to volunteer to read--extra credit.

Getting students to hand in a homework assignment is pulling teeth. Even if completed, it is with a penful of resentment. But make the assignment "extra credit" and 100% are completed and turned in with gaping smiles.

I just need to figure out how to completely do away with grades and make all assignments extra credit. I haven't quite gotten there yet, but I know that when I do, I'll have more motivated, responsible, self-directed learners than utopia itself. I bet students would even do better on state CSAP exams if we just labeled it as an "extra credit" assessment.