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Tip #3| Setting up a computerized gradebook?
Spring 2007

Point systems for grades create a type of objectivity that is hard for students to challenge. It is very effective to present a detailed Easy Grade Pro printout to the disgruntled student who did not pass your class last semester. It usually settles the argument.

Increasing numbers of instructors at the AAU are using Easy Grade Pro, which is a tremendous grading tool. It definitely cuts down on math errors. But whether you use a spreadsheet on a computer or an old fashioned gradebook that you fill in with pencil, the resulting grade is only as accurate as the systems you create.

Before you get too far into your semester, take the opportunity to check the integrity of your grading.

For those of you using Easy Grade Pro Software:

If you have weighted your categories to reflect your syllabus, make sure that the categories are correct for each assignment. If you want your midterm to count for 30%, but you leave it in the “homework” category instead of “tests/quizzes”, it will not carry the weight that you want.
If you use letter grades rather than numbers and are using the grading tool palette (EGP version 3) or toolbar (EGP version 4), take note of the number it is calculating. For example, clicking on either the second or the first “A” can calculate as 95 or 100. If you want an exact grade such as 93 or a 98, you will need to enter the number manually.
By the same token, if you enter a number, beware of the letter grade it will calculate. For example, if you give a two out of five possible points for an assignment, that translates to 40%, or an F. Is that what you intended? (This tip is also good to consider if you’re using Excel or another grading program).

To test out any type of grading system:

Create a hypothetical student or two to check your system (e.g. fill in the appropriate points for a student who is absent a lot and inconsistent with homework, but strong on the final. Does the resulting grade feel right?)