Gradebook Setup with Categories (Non-Weighted)

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Table of Contents

Overview

Within the Moodle gradebook, you can set which aggregation is best for you based on how you’ve designed your course. You are able to set an aggregation at the course level and at each of the grade category level. This article explains how to apply the natural aggregation method at both the course and grade category level.

The natural aggregation method allows you to set up a point-based rather than a percentage-based gradebook. For example, if you prefer to assign a course total as a certain number of points rather than setting your course total as 100%, the natural aggregation method in Moodle allows you to do so.

Applying the natural aggregation method for each grade category allows you to mark grade items as extra credit and allows you to drop the lowest grade item when specific criteria are met.

Videos will assist you with the gradebook process and demonstrate how to add categorized to the gradebook for assessment organization and/or category weighting.

Example

If you’ve designed your course in a similar way compared to the example below where each graded item has a corresponding point value and there are no weighted categories or weighted grade items, then natural aggregation in the Moodle gradebook would be the appropriate option.

While it is not necessary to have grade categories to use the natural aggregation method, it is recommended as it keeps your gradebook organized. The steps below will use the example above to set up the gradebook using natural aggregation.

Instructions

Step 1: Set Aggregation at the Course Level

  1. Start on your course page
  2. Select Grades in the left-hand menu
  3. Select Setup
  4. Select Edit next to the name of the course
  5. Select Edit settings from the dropdown menu
  6. Next to Aggregation, choose Natural from the dropdown menu
  7. Scroll down and select Save changes

Step 2: Create Grade Categories

  1. Start on your course page
  2. Select Grades in the left-hand menu
  3. Select Setup
  4. Select Add category
  5. Enter a name in the Category name field
  6. Next to Aggregation, choose Natural from the dropdown menu
  7. Next to Maximum grade, enter the number of points for the category
  8. Repeat to create all grade categories

Step 3: Add Graded Activities to Course

There are several Moodle activities that can be hooked up to the Gradebook. These include: Assignment, Attendance, Checklist, External tool (may be dependent upon the tool), Forum, H5P (some H5P activities can be graded), Lesson, Open forum, Panopto Video (if quiz is embedded), Quiz, SCORM package, and Workshop. Below you will find instructions on how to add the three most-used graded activities to the Gradebook (quiz, forum, and assignment).

Quiz

  1. Go to the course page
  2. Select Add an activity or resource
  3. Select Quiz
  4. Next to Name, enter a name for the exam
  5. Scroll down to the Grade heading
  6. Next to Grade category, select the corresponding category (ex. Exams)
  7. Scroll down and select Save and display
  8. Select Edit quiz
  9. In the box next to Maximum grade, enter the applicable point value
  10. Click Save

Forum

  1. Go to the course page
  2. Select Add an activity or resource
  3. Select Forum
  4. Next to Forum name, enter a name for the discussion forum
  5. Scroll down to the Whole forum grading heading
  6. Next to Type, select Point from the dropdown menu
  7. In the box next to Maximum grade, enter the applicable point value
  8. Next to Grade category, select the corresponding category (ex. Discussion Forums)
  9. Scroll down and select Save and return to course

Assignment

  1. Go to the course page
  2. Select Add an activity or resource
  3. Select Assignment
  4. Next to Assignment name, enter a name for the assignment (e.g., Research Paper Draft)
  5. Scroll down to the Grade heading
  6. Next to Type, select Point from the dropdown menu
  7. In the box next to Maximum grade, enter the applicable point value
  8. Next to Grade category, select the corresponding category (ex. Research Paper)
  9. Scroll down and select Save and return to course

Step 4: Add Grade Item to Gradebook (non-Moodle activities)

If you have a graded activity in your course that will not be completed in Moodle, such as an oral presentation, you can add a line in your Gradebook to record these grades.

  1. From the course page, select Grades in the left-hand menu
  2. Select Setup
  3. Select Add grade item
  4. Next to Item name, enter a name for the grade item (e.g., Research Proposal Presentation)
  5. In the box next to Maximum grade, enter the applicable point value
  6. Next to Grade category, select the corresponding category (ex. Presentations)
  7. Select Save changes

Step 5: Double Check Gradebook Setup

Once you have set your overall gradebook aggregation, created your categories and set their aggregations, created your graded activities and manually added grade items (if applicable), double check that your completed gradebook matches your intended assessment plan.

Video:  Moodle Gradebook Tips & Pointers

Watch the video below (18:08) to see a live demo of a Gradebook setup tips and pointers.  Both natural and weighted aggregation are demoed.

Select the play button to watch the video.  Select the CC for the Closed Captioning and the diagonal arrow to maximize the video and access the video transcript by clicking on the Captions link on the left menu.

 

Video: Adding Gradebook Categories

Watch the video below (5:18) to see a demonstration of Adding Grade Categories to the Gradebook.

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