Hi Tim: I like to try to plann face to face time with students as often as possible. This allows me to also encourage and lend support while I'm giving advice for improvement. I think this conveys "the teacher cares", and helps build trusting relationships. I like to begin this process early on so there is time available to make improvements. I prefer not to offer extra credit, and students know that from the beginning. Missed or poor performing assignments may mean the student has missed essential learning. I cannot reward that by offering EC.It may help raise the grade but rarely helps in the learning process. Regards, Barry