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Some instructors like to create a Grade Distribution Plan that identifies each individual assignment to be graded as well as when they will take place during the course and the estimated time it will take an instructor to grade each submission. This can be useful for checking on the distribution of points throughout the semester and determining if the planned grading load is realistic for providing timely and practical feedback to students. A full distribution plan isn’t always necessary, but some find it valuable to take that step prior to determining the Grade Values for a course.
Grade Values and Percentages Table
A grade values and percentages table is useful for determining how points are allocated across the various assignment types in a course. For example, are the discussion activities worth more total points in the course than the final exam? Determining which type of activity should carry more points is a decision of the instructor. One method for calculating the breakdown is described below. This can be done in any format, but the example below draws from a spreadsheet that allows for automated calculations.
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After doing the calculations, review the percentages and adjust points per submission as needed to achieve the desired balance for the course.
Example Grade Values and Percentages
Assessment Category | Points Per Submission | Units | Total Points | % of Course Grade (if using weighted grading) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Syllabus Quiz (Module 1) | 10 | 1 | 10 | 1% |
Reading Quizzes (All Modules) | 10 | 7 | 70 | 7% |
Discussion (All Modules) | 20 | 7 | 140 | 14% |
Weekly Assignments (All Modules) | 40 | 7 | 280 | 28% |
Midterm Project (Beginning of Module 4) | 200 | 1 | 200 | 20% |
Final Project (End of Module 7) | 300 | 1 | 300 | 30% |
Total Course Points | - | - | 1000 | 100% |
Target Total Points | - | - | 1,000 | - |