The gradebook in Blackboard is called “Grade Center” and is accessible through the Control Panel.
Before attempting to set up the Grade Center you should document how you want the final grade to calculate. We suggest using a very simple grading system where the weighting is based on the points per assignment, test, project, etc. Common grading systems are based on 100 or 1000 total points and the final grade is calculated as the points earned as a percentage of the total possible points. This is an easy system for students to understand and to track their grades.
In this type of grading system the grade for a course might be calculated as follows:
Example:
| Item | Points Points Possible |
|---|---|
| Exam 1 | 200 |
| Exam 2 | 300 |
| Paper 1 | 100 |
| Paper 2 | 200 |
| Final Project | 200 |
| Final Exam | 500 |
| Total Points Possible | 1500 |
Grade is calculated as a percentage of 1500 points possible.
Alternatively, grading can be weighted. Weighting can be by item or category in Blackboard.
Example of weighting by item (column):
| Item | (Points Earned/Points Points Possible)*Weight | Points Toward Final Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Exam 1 | (200/200)*10 | 10 |
| Exam 2 | (300/300)*15 | 15 |
| Paper 1 | (100/100)*10 | 10 |
| Paper 2 | (200/200)*15 | 15 |
| Final Project | (200/200)*20 | 20 |
| Final Exam | (500/500)*30 | 30 |
| Total Points Possible for Final Grade | 100 |
Weighting by category can be either proportional or equal weight:
Example of weighting by category:
| Category | Proportional Weight to Columns | Equal Weight to Columns |
|---|---|---|
| Exams | (200+300+500)/1000*55 = 55 % | (((200/200)+(300/300)+(500/500))/3)*55=55% |
| Papers | (100+200)/300*25 = 25 % | (((100/100)+(200/200))/2*25=25% |
| Project | (200/200)*20 = 20% | (200/200)*20 = 20% |
The templates applied to Wentworth courses are set up to total the grade entered in each column set to be included in calculations and display the course grade as a percentage of the total points possible. A column is needed for each gradable paper, exam, quiz, project, etc. When assignments, tests, quizzes, blogs, wikis, journals, and discussions are set up in Bb as gradable with points possible, columns are automatically set up in the Grade Center. Other LTI tools also can create Grade Center columns if the appropriate settings are chosen when created.
Below, we’ve listed documentation and an instructional video showing how to add a column to the Grade Center.
Adding a Column to the Grade Center (PDF| Video)
If you want to use another grading system, please contact the LIT team (lit@wit.edu or 617-989-5428) for an appointment to help you set up your gradebook.