The weighted column is a type of calculated column
that generates a grade based on the result of selected columns and
categories, and their respective percentages. When creating a weighted
column, you can include other calculated columns or other weighted columns.
A default weighted total column appears in new courses. You
can rename it, change the settings, change which columns and categories are included,
or delete this default column. The default weighted total column displays no
results until you select the columns and categories to include in the
calculation. This column is included in the Final Grade View smart view.
Weighted totals are calculated based on percentages. They
are not based on grading schemas/letter grades. Columns included in the
Weighted Total are not displayed using the same grading schema as the input
grade values. Grading schemas simply map a range of percentages to a particular
label for display purposes. They do not have an impact on the weighted total’s
underlying calculations, which are based on percentages or points/points
possible.
How to Create a Weighted Grade Column
Tip: To keep a Calculated Column in view, despite the
addition of other columns, freeze the column. For more information on this, see
FreezingColumns.
- On the action bar, point to Create Calculated Column and select Weighted Column.
- Type a Column Name. The Column Name is the formal name for the Item, and is displayed in the Grade Center if no Grade Center Display Name is entered. This field will only display the first 15 characters in the column header.
- Type a Grade Center Display Name. This appears as the column header in the Grade Center. This field displays 15 characters in the column header. The Grade Center is the only area where this name is used.
- Type a Description. A description will help Instructors and other graders identify the Column.
- Select a Primary Display option from the drop-down list. The format chosen is the primary or only (if no Secondary Display is selected) format displayed for this Weighted Grade Item in the Grade Center.
- Select a Secondary Display from the drop-down list. This selection displays the secondary format for this Weighted Grade column in the Grade Center. The Secondary Display is denoted by parentheses.
- Select a Grading Period from the drop-down list. This will designate to what Grading Period the column is associated.
Note: Grading Period and the drop-down list will not
display unless Grading Periods have previously been created. For more
information on Grading Periods, see CreatingGrading Periods.
- Select the items to be included in the Weighted Grade Column, and enter the percentages for each column or Category to be included in the Weighted Grade.
- Columns to Select – A list of all columns in the Grade Center. Select the Column and click the arrow to add it to the Weighted Grade column.
- Categories to Select – A list of all Categories in the Grade Center. Select the category and click the arrow to add it to the Weighted Grade column.
- Type the percentage for each selection. To delete a selected Grade Item or Category from consideration, click the red “x”. When a Category has been selected, several other options appear:
- Select a Grading Period for the Category using the drop-down list. This will only appear if a Grading Period has been created. Only columns within the selected Grading Period will be included in the Weighted Grade.
- Select how to weigh columns within the Category Equally or Proportionally. Choosing Equally applies equal value to all Columns within a Category. Choosing Proportionally applies the appropriate value to a Grade Item based on its points compared to other columns in the Category.
- Decide whether to Drop Highest or Lowest Grades within the Category or use only the Lowest or Highest Value to Calculate in the category. A Grade column that is set to “no” for the Include in Grade Center Score Calculations setting will not display in the selection list.
- Calculate as a running total – Select Yes to calculate the weight as a running total to include only the Columns that have been graded. Select No to include all items.
- Share Weighted Grade column with users. The following permissions are selected to add the column to My Grades:
- Include this Column in Grade Center Calculations – Makes the Column available for use in other calculations.
- Show this Column to Students – Shows the column in My Grades.
- Show Statistics (average and median) for this column to Students in My Grades– Shows the Weighted Grade column statistics in My Grades.
- Click Submit.
This has been adapted from the Blackboard support site at California Polytechnic State University and more in depth information is available there. Please contact your
instructional designer for any help.
