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Assigning Grades

There are two basic models that are used to calculate grades on individual assignments or, more generally, across a number of assignments: weighted letter grades and accumulated points. [Based on "Effective Grading" by Barbara E. Walvoord and Virginia Johnson Anderson, Jossey-Bass: 1998, pp. 93-104.] Both models require the instructor to establish a scoring rubric--a set of course or assignment specific criteria with corresponding points or grades that is used to evaluate the students' work.

Model 1: Weighted Grades

In this model, each grade counts for a certain percentage of the final grade. Different parts of a multipart assignment, different course assignments, or different aspects of a student's work, such as writing mechanics and content, are assigned a different grade. The instructor establishes a scoring rubric that weights each grade as a certain percentage of the final grade. Final grades are calculated by assigning each letter grade a number of points or translating it into its grade point equivalent. Spread sheet programs can be used to simplify the process.

The principle advantages of this model is that it allows the instructor to establish a clear set of criteria that assign different pedagogical weights to different categories, and to take into account developmental progression by weighting later grades more heavily than earlier grades.

Model 2: Accumulated Points

Each assignment or part of an assignment is given a number of possible points. The student's performance is evaluated by counting the points that they get on each assignment or part of an assignment, and working out their accumulated points for the semester or for that assignment. The final points are then translated into the appropriate format such as letter grades. For example:

Test 1 (40 points possible): parts 1 and 2 =10 points possible each; part 3 = 20 points possible.
Test 2 (40 points possible): parts 1 and 2 =10 points possible each; part 3 = 20 points possible.
Field Work (40 points possible)
Final Exam (80 points possible)
Total Points Possible: 200

The advantage of this model is that it makes it easy to curve grades when translating points into letter grades. As with the other model, it allows the instructor to weight not only assignments but parts of assignments and individual questions differently.

Whichever model you adopt, make sure that students have a good understanding of how course grades are calculated and explain to them why you have chosen to use the model you have, weight grades as you have done and so forth. Also, develop a clear policy with regard to extra credit assignments and grade penalties, and distribute it to students in written form early in the semester (this avoids disputes later on).

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