How to set up gradebook categories in Moodle 2.
It is possible to set up the gradebook to show divisions in time such as semesters and quarters by using categories.
For example, Semester 1 = main category 1 with quarter 1 and quarter 2 as sub-categories; all of Semester 2 = main category 2 with quarter 3 and quarter 4 as sub-categories.
Often times, gradebook categories are used to delineate types of assignments.
For example, a category for "assessments" might include all quizzes and term papers, while a "participation" category could include graded forums and attendance.
Locate the Settings block and click "Grades."
Under the drop down menu, choose "Full View" or "Simple View" under Categories and Items.
Alternatively locate the Simple and Full View in the sub menu bar under the Categories and Items tab.
At the bottom of this page click the "Add Category" button.
Enter a Category name and select Aggregation settings.
1. Aggregation determines how grades in a category are combined, such as:
- Mean of grades - The sum of all grades divided by the total number of grades
- Median of grades - The middle grade when grades are arranged in order of size
- Lowest grade - The lowest score given
- Highest grade - The highest score given
- Mode of grades - The grade that occurs most frequently
- Sum of grades - The sum of all grade values divided by the possible points allowed, with scale grades being ignored
2. Aggregate only non-empty grades determines whether empty grades are not included in the aggregation or are counted as minimal grades, for example 0 for an assignment graded between 0 and 100.
3. Include outcomes in aggregation will include outcomes in the aggregation. This may result in an unexpected category total.
4. Aggregate including subcategories determines whether grades in subcategories are included in the aggregation.
5. Drop the lowest enables a specified number of the lowest grades to be excluded from the aggregation.
Configure the Category total settings.
1. Category total name, text entered in this field replaces the wording Category total where the grade displayed for the category is shown.
2. Item info provides space for entering information about the item. The information is not displayed anywhere else.
3. ID number provides a way of identifying the activity for grade calculation purposes.
4. Grade type, there are 4 grade types:
- None - No grading possible
- Value - A numerical value with a maximum and minimum
- Scale - An item in a list
- Text - Feedback only
If a scale is selected as the grade type then the Scale drop down menu is available to select the scale that will be used for grading this category. The scale for an activity-based grade item is set on the activity settings page.
5. Maximum/Minimum grade determines the maximum and minimum grades when using the value grade type.
6. Grade to pass determines the minimum grade required to pass.
7. Grade display type determines how grades are displayed in the grader and user reports.
- Real - Actual grades
- Percentage
- Letter - Letters or words are used to represent a range of grades
8. Overall decimal points determine the number of decimal points to display for each grade. It has no effect on grade calculations, which are made with an accuracy of 5 decimal places.
9. Hidden if ticked, will hide grades in this category from students.
10. A Hidden until date may be set if desired, to release grades after grading is completed.
11. Locked will no longer allow grades to be automatically updated by the related activity.
12. Lock after will lock after the specified date.
Repeat steps above to create other categories.
Optional: Create sub-categories
Add a sub-category by moving a new category into an existing one or by selecting the Parent category when creating the new sub category in the category settings page.
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