Gradebook help files: Difference between revisions
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Specifies how to display the mean for each column. If Inherit is selected, the display type for each column is used. | Specifies how to display the mean for each column. If Inherit is selected, the display type for each column is used. | ||
==Calculations== | |||
Calculations for the gradebook follow the pattern of formulas/functions in popular spreadsheet programs. They start with an equal (=) sign, and use common mathematical operators and functions to produce a single numerical output. This output is then used as the computed value for the grade item you are editing. | |||
Following is a list of the functions supported by the calculation. The comma (,) character is used to separate arguments within function brackets. | |||
<nowiki>* average([[item1]], [[item2]]...): Returns the average of a sample | |||
* max([[item1]], [[item2]]...): Returns the maximum value in a list of arguments | |||
* min([[item1]], [[item2]]...): Returns the minimum value in a list of arguments | |||
* mod(dividend, divisor): Calculates the remainder of a division | |||
* pi(): Returns the value of the number Pi | |||
* power(base, power): Raises a number to the power of another | |||
* round(number, count): Rounds a number to a predefined accuracy | |||
* sum([[item1]], [[item2]]...): Returns the sum of all arguments</nowiki> | |||
A number of mathematical functions is also supported: | |||
* sin | |||
* sinh | |||
* arcsin | |||
* asin | |||
* arcsinh | |||
* asinh | |||
* cos | |||
* cosh | |||
* arccos | |||
* acos | |||
* arccosh | |||
* acosh | |||
* tan | |||
* tanh | |||
* arctan | |||
* atan | |||
* arctanh | |||
* atanh | |||
* sqrt | |||
* abs | |||
* ln | |||
* log | |||
* exp | |||
You can include the values of other grade items by using their idnumber as references in your formulas. The idnumber is surrounded by two matching pairs of angle brackets, to avoid confusing the calculation parser when the idnumber contains uncommon characters. For example, if you have a grade item with Quiz.3 as idnumber, you will refer to this item as [[Quiz.3]] in your calculation. | |||
Below the calculation field is an arborescence of your course with its grade categories and grade items. Next to each item or category's total is displayed the idnumber you can use in your calculation (already surrounded with angle brackets). However, since the idnumber is optional, some items may not yet have one. These items without an idnumber have instead a form field which lets you enter the idnumber directly, so that you can use it in your calculation without having to leave the page. This form doesn't let you edit existing idnumbers though, you will have to go and edit the grade item directly if you want to do that. | |||
As soon as you have assigned the idnumbers you need, you can press "add idnumbers", and the page will reload and show you the same arborescence with the idnumbers you have just assigned. You are then free to use these references in your calculation. | |||
Here is a list of practical examples of calculations you may use in your gradebook: | |||
<nowiki>* =average([[Quiz.1]], [[Quiz.4]], [[Assignment.1]]) | |||
* =average(max([[Quiz.1]], [[Quiz.4]], [[Assignment.1]]), min([[Quiz.1]], [[Quiz.4]], [[Assignment.1]]))</nowiki> | |||
==Category== | |||
This is where graded items can be placed into categories, curved and set as extra credit items. New categories can also be added and existing ones deleted. | |||
* Category: Adjusts which category a graded item belongs to. Just select the appropriate category from the drop down list. Items that have not been assigned a category or were in a category that was deleted will be automatically placed in "Uncategorised" | |||
* Curve To: Allows you to curve grades. Set this item to what you would like the particular graded item graded out of. So if the max grade was 30 and curve to was set at 28 students grades and percents would be calculated against a possible 28 points rather than 30. | |||
* Extra Credit: Check this box if you would like a particular category to be calculated as extra credit. Please note that setting all items to extra credit for a particular category will have unexpected results, and will most likely not count the category or extra credit at all. | |||
==Overall decimal points== | |||
Specifies the number of decimal points to display for each grade. This setting has no effect on grade calculations, which are made with an accuracy of 5 decimal places. | |||
==Drop the lowest== | |||
If set, this option will drop the X lowest grades, X being the selected value for this option. | |||
==Exceptions== | |||
This can be used to exclude students from individual assignments. This is useful if two class sections merge or a student transfers from a different section several weeks into a semester. It is also useful for extenuating circumstances: sickness, injury, etc. | |||
There are three columns: | |||
* Left: Is students for the course that are "Included in Grading" for an particular graded item. | |||
* Middle: A listing of all graded items followed by a total number of students excluded from grading in parenthesis. | |||
* Right: A list of students that are excluded from a particular assignment | |||
To exclude students click the assignment in the middle and then click the students name in the left column (holding down CTRL or APPLE will allow selection of multiple items). Then click "Exclude from Grading" at the bottom. The student(s) should be moved from the left column to the right, and they will now be excluded from grade calculations for that assignment. | |||
To include students that have been excluded; Choose the appropriate assignment, click the student in the right column and finally "Include in Grading" at the bottom. The student should be moved from the right column to the left column. | |||
==Excluded grades== | |||
If -excluded- is switched on, this grade will be excluded from any aggregation performed by any parent grade item or category. | |||
==Export decimal points== | |||
The number of decimal points to display for export. This can be overridden during export. | |||
==Feedback== | |||
Notes added to the grade by the teacher. They can be extensive, personalised feedback or a simple code that refers to an internal system of feedback. | |||
==Final grade== | |||
The final grade (cached) after all calculations are performed. | |||
==Grade boundary== | |||
A percentage boundary over which grades will be assigned a grade letter (if the Letter grade display type is used). | |||
==Grade display type== | |||
Specifies how to display grades in the grader and user reports. Grades may be shown as actual grades, as percentages (in reference to the minimum and maximum grades) or as letters. | |||
==Grade export display type== | |||
Grades can be shown as real grades, as percentages (in reference to the minimum and maximum grades) or as letters (A, B, C etc..) during export. This can be overridden during export. | |||
==Grade letters== | |||
A letter or other symbol used to represent a range of grades. | |||
==Maximum Grade== | |||
When using the value grade type, a maximum grade can be set. The maximum grade for an activity-based grade item is set on the update activity page. | |||
==Minimum Grade== | |||
When using the value grade type, a minimum grade can be set. | |||
==Grade to pass== | |||
If an item has a grade that users must equal or exceed to pass that item, you can set that here. | |||
==Grade type== | |||
Specifies the type of grade used: none (no grading possible), value (enables the maximum and minimum grade settings), scale (enables the scale setting) or text (feedback only). Only value and scale grade types may be aggregated. The grade type for an activity-based grade item is set on the update activity page. | |||
==Hidden== | |||
Whether or not the grades are hidden to participants. Usually after the end of the activity and of the grading process.. A typical sequence of events would be: | |||
{| class="nicetable" | |||
|- | |||
!Event | |||
!Locked | |||
!Hidden | |||
|- | |||
|Start of activity and participant submissions||No||Yes | |||
|- | |||
|End of activity and beginning of grading/feedback||Yes||Yes | |||
|- | |||
|End of grading/feedback, and release of grades||Yes||No | |||
|} | |||
==Hidden until== | |||
Date until which the grades will be hidden to participants. Usually after the end of the activity and of the grading process.. A typical sequence of events would be: | |||
{| class="nicetable" | |||
|- | |||
!Event | |||
!Locked | |||
!Hidden | |||
|- | |||
|Start of activity and participant submissions||No||Yes | |||
|- | |||
|End of activity and beginning of grading/feedback||Yes||Yes | |||
|- | |||
|End of grading/feedback, and release of grades||Yes||No | |||
|} | |||
==Id numbers== | |||
Setting an ID number provides a way of identifying the activity for grade calculation purposes. If the activity is not included in any grade calculation then the ID number field can be left blank. The ID number for an activity-based grade item may be set on the update activity page. | |||
==Import outcomes== | |||
You can import outcomes in the form of .csv files. The format must be as follows: | |||
{| class="nicetable" | |||
|- | |||
!Field name | |||
!Description | |||
!Required | |||
!Format | |||
|- | |||
|outcome_name||The full name of the outcome||Yes||String | |||
|- | |||
|outcome_shortname||The short name of the outcome||Yes||String | |||
|- | |||
|outcome_description||The description of the outcome||No||String | |||
|- | |||
|scale_name||The name of the scale used||Yes|String | |||
|- | |||
|scale_items||A comma-separated list of scale items||Yes|String | |||
|- | |||
|scale_description||The description of the scale||No|String | |||
|} | |||
Here is an example: | |||
outcome_name;outcome_shortname;outcome_description;scale_name;scale_items;scale_description | |||
Participation;participation;;Participation scale;"Little or no participation, Satisfactory participation, Full participation"; | |||
[[Category:Grades]] | [[Category:Grades]] |
Revision as of 12:10, 10 March 2009
Aggregate only non-empty grades
Nonexistent grades are either treated as minimal grades or not included in aggregation.
Include outcomes in aggregation
Including outcomes in aggregation may not lead to the desired overall grade, so you have the option to include or leave them out.
Aggregate including subcategories
The aggregation is usually done only with immediate children, it is also possible to aggregate grades in all subcategories excluding other aggregated grades.
Category aggregation
This menu lets you choose the aggregation strategy that will be used to calculate each participant's overall grade for this category. The different options are explained below.
The grades are first converted to percentage values (interval from 0 to 1, this is called normalisation), then aggregated using one of the functions below and finally converted to the associated category item's range (between Minimum grade and Maximum grade).
Important: An empty grade is simply a missing gradebook entry, and could mean different things. For example, it could be a participant who hasn't yet submitted an assignment, an assignment submission not yet graded by the teacher, or a grade that has been manually deleted by the gradebook administrator. Caution in interpreting these "empty grades" is thus advised.
Mean of grades
- The sum of all grades divided by the total number of grades.
A1 70/100, A2 20/80, A3 10/10, category max 100: (0.7 + 0.25 + 1.0)/3 = 0.65 --> 65/100
Weighted mean
- Each grade item can be given a weight, which is then used in the arithmetic mean aggregation to influence the importance of each item in the overall mean.
A1 70/100 weight 10, A2 20/80 weight 5, A3 10/10 weight 3, category max 100: (0.7*10 + 0.25*5 + 1.0*3)/18 = 0.625 --> 62.5/100
Simple weighted mean
- The difference from Weighted mean is that weight is calculated as Maximum grade - Minimum grade for each item. 100 point assignment has weight 100, 10 point assignment has weight 10.
A1 70/100, A2 20/80, A3 10/10, category max 100: (0.7*100 + 0.25*80 + 1.0*10)/190 = 0.526 --> 52.6/100
Mean of grades (with extra credits)
- Arithmetic mean with a twist. An old, now unsupported aggregation strategy provided here only for backward compatibility with old activities.
Median of grades
- The middle grade (or the mean of the two middle grades) when grades are arranged in order of size. The advantage over the mean is that it is not affected by outliers (grades which are uncommonly far from the mean).
A1 70/100, A2 20/80, A3 10/10, category max 100: median(0.7 ; 0.25 ; 1.0) = 0.7 --> 70/100
Smallest grade
- The result is the smallest grade after normalisation. It is usually used in combination with Aggregate only non-empty grades.
A1 70/100, A2 20/80, A3 10/10, category max 100: min(0.7 ; 0.25 ; 1.0) = 0.25 --> 25/100
Highest grade
- The result is the highest grade after normalisation.
A1 70/100, A2 20/80, A3 10/10, category max 100: max(0.7 ; 0.25 ; 1.0) = 1.0 --> 100/100
Mode of grades
- The mode is the grade that occurs the most frequently. It is more often used for non-numerical grades. The advantage over the mean is that it is not affected by outliers (grades which are uncommonly far from the mean). However it loses its meaning once there is more than one most frequently occurring grade (only one is kept), or when all the grades are different from each other.
A1 70/100, A2 35/50, A3 20/80, A4 10/10, A5 7/10 category max 100: mode(0.7 ; 0.7 ; 0.25 ; 1.0 ; 0.7) = 0.7 --> 70/100
Sum of grades
- The sum of all grade values. Scale grades are ignored. This is the only type that does not convert the grades to percentages internally (normalisation). The Maximum grade of associated category item is calculated automatically as a sum of maximums from all aggregated items.
A1 70/100, A2 20/80, A3 10/10: 70 + 20 + 10 = 100/190
Extra credit coefficient
A value greater than 0 treats this grade item's grades as Extra credit during aggregation. The number is a factor by which the grade value will be multiplied before it is added to the sum of all grades, but the item itself will not be counted in the division. For example:
- Item 1 is graded 0-100 and its "Extra credit" value is set to 2
- Item 2 is graded 0-100 and its "Extra credit" value is left at 0.0000
- Item 3 is graded 0-100 and its "Extra credit" value is left at 0.0000
- All 3 items belong to Category 1, which has "Mean of grades (with extra credits)" as its aggregation strategy
- A student gets graded 20 on Item 1, 40 on Item 2 and 70 on Item 3
- The student's total for Category 1 will be 95/100 since 20*2 + (40 + 70)/2 = 95
Act as extra credit
When the "Sum of grades" aggregation strategy is used, a grade item can act as Extra credit for the category. This means that the grade item's maximum grade will not be added to the category total's maximum grade, but the item's grade will. Following is an example:
- Item 1 is graded 0-100
- Item 2 is graded 0-75
- Item 1 has the "Act as extra credit" checkbox ticked, Item 2 doesn't.
- Both items belong to Category 1, which has "Sum of grades" as its aggregation strategy
- Category 1's total will be graded 0-75
- A student gets graded 20 on Item 1 and 70 on Item 2
- The student's total for Category 1 will be 75/75 (20+70 = 90 but Item 1 only acts as extra credit, so it brings the total to its maximum)
Item weight
Weight applied to all grades in this grade item during aggregation with other grade items.
Aggregation position
Defines the position of the aggregation total column in the report related to the grades being aggregated.
Aggregation view
Each category can be displayed in three ways: Full mode (aggregated column and grade item columns), the aggregated column only, or the grade items alone.
Decimals in column averages
Specifies the number of decimal points to display for each column mean. If Inherit is selected, the display type for each column is used.
Column averages display type
Specifies how to display the mean for each column. If Inherit is selected, the display type for each column is used.
Calculations
Calculations for the gradebook follow the pattern of formulas/functions in popular spreadsheet programs. They start with an equal (=) sign, and use common mathematical operators and functions to produce a single numerical output. This output is then used as the computed value for the grade item you are editing.
Following is a list of the functions supported by the calculation. The comma (,) character is used to separate arguments within function brackets.
* average([[item1]], [[item2]]...): Returns the average of a sample * max([[item1]], [[item2]]...): Returns the maximum value in a list of arguments * min([[item1]], [[item2]]...): Returns the minimum value in a list of arguments * mod(dividend, divisor): Calculates the remainder of a division * pi(): Returns the value of the number Pi * power(base, power): Raises a number to the power of another * round(number, count): Rounds a number to a predefined accuracy * sum([[item1]], [[item2]]...): Returns the sum of all arguments
A number of mathematical functions is also supported:
* sin * sinh * arcsin * asin * arcsinh * asinh * cos * cosh * arccos * acos * arccosh * acosh * tan * tanh * arctan * atan * arctanh * atanh * sqrt * abs * ln * log * exp
You can include the values of other grade items by using their idnumber as references in your formulas. The idnumber is surrounded by two matching pairs of angle brackets, to avoid confusing the calculation parser when the idnumber contains uncommon characters. For example, if you have a grade item with Quiz.3 as idnumber, you will refer to this item as Quiz.3 in your calculation.
Below the calculation field is an arborescence of your course with its grade categories and grade items. Next to each item or category's total is displayed the idnumber you can use in your calculation (already surrounded with angle brackets). However, since the idnumber is optional, some items may not yet have one. These items without an idnumber have instead a form field which lets you enter the idnumber directly, so that you can use it in your calculation without having to leave the page. This form doesn't let you edit existing idnumbers though, you will have to go and edit the grade item directly if you want to do that.
As soon as you have assigned the idnumbers you need, you can press "add idnumbers", and the page will reload and show you the same arborescence with the idnumbers you have just assigned. You are then free to use these references in your calculation.
Here is a list of practical examples of calculations you may use in your gradebook:
* =average([[Quiz.1]], [[Quiz.4]], [[Assignment.1]]) * =average(max([[Quiz.1]], [[Quiz.4]], [[Assignment.1]]), min([[Quiz.1]], [[Quiz.4]], [[Assignment.1]]))
Category
This is where graded items can be placed into categories, curved and set as extra credit items. New categories can also be added and existing ones deleted.
- Category: Adjusts which category a graded item belongs to. Just select the appropriate category from the drop down list. Items that have not been assigned a category or were in a category that was deleted will be automatically placed in "Uncategorised"
- Curve To: Allows you to curve grades. Set this item to what you would like the particular graded item graded out of. So if the max grade was 30 and curve to was set at 28 students grades and percents would be calculated against a possible 28 points rather than 30.
- Extra Credit: Check this box if you would like a particular category to be calculated as extra credit. Please note that setting all items to extra credit for a particular category will have unexpected results, and will most likely not count the category or extra credit at all.
Overall decimal points
Specifies the number of decimal points to display for each grade. This setting has no effect on grade calculations, which are made with an accuracy of 5 decimal places.
Drop the lowest
If set, this option will drop the X lowest grades, X being the selected value for this option.
Exceptions
This can be used to exclude students from individual assignments. This is useful if two class sections merge or a student transfers from a different section several weeks into a semester. It is also useful for extenuating circumstances: sickness, injury, etc. There are three columns:
- Left: Is students for the course that are "Included in Grading" for an particular graded item.
- Middle: A listing of all graded items followed by a total number of students excluded from grading in parenthesis.
- Right: A list of students that are excluded from a particular assignment
To exclude students click the assignment in the middle and then click the students name in the left column (holding down CTRL or APPLE will allow selection of multiple items). Then click "Exclude from Grading" at the bottom. The student(s) should be moved from the left column to the right, and they will now be excluded from grade calculations for that assignment.
To include students that have been excluded; Choose the appropriate assignment, click the student in the right column and finally "Include in Grading" at the bottom. The student should be moved from the right column to the left column.
Excluded grades
If -excluded- is switched on, this grade will be excluded from any aggregation performed by any parent grade item or category.
Export decimal points
The number of decimal points to display for export. This can be overridden during export.
Feedback
Notes added to the grade by the teacher. They can be extensive, personalised feedback or a simple code that refers to an internal system of feedback.
Final grade
The final grade (cached) after all calculations are performed.
Grade boundary
A percentage boundary over which grades will be assigned a grade letter (if the Letter grade display type is used).
Grade display type
Specifies how to display grades in the grader and user reports. Grades may be shown as actual grades, as percentages (in reference to the minimum and maximum grades) or as letters.
Grade export display type
Grades can be shown as real grades, as percentages (in reference to the minimum and maximum grades) or as letters (A, B, C etc..) during export. This can be overridden during export.
Grade letters
A letter or other symbol used to represent a range of grades.
Maximum Grade
When using the value grade type, a maximum grade can be set. The maximum grade for an activity-based grade item is set on the update activity page.
Minimum Grade
When using the value grade type, a minimum grade can be set.
Grade to pass
If an item has a grade that users must equal or exceed to pass that item, you can set that here.
Grade type
Specifies the type of grade used: none (no grading possible), value (enables the maximum and minimum grade settings), scale (enables the scale setting) or text (feedback only). Only value and scale grade types may be aggregated. The grade type for an activity-based grade item is set on the update activity page.
Hidden
Whether or not the grades are hidden to participants. Usually after the end of the activity and of the grading process.. A typical sequence of events would be:
Event | Locked | Hidden |
---|---|---|
Start of activity and participant submissions | No | Yes |
End of activity and beginning of grading/feedback | Yes | Yes |
End of grading/feedback, and release of grades | Yes | No |
Hidden until
Date until which the grades will be hidden to participants. Usually after the end of the activity and of the grading process.. A typical sequence of events would be:
Event | Locked | Hidden |
---|---|---|
Start of activity and participant submissions | No | Yes |
End of activity and beginning of grading/feedback | Yes | Yes |
End of grading/feedback, and release of grades | Yes | No |
Id numbers
Setting an ID number provides a way of identifying the activity for grade calculation purposes. If the activity is not included in any grade calculation then the ID number field can be left blank. The ID number for an activity-based grade item may be set on the update activity page.
Import outcomes
You can import outcomes in the form of .csv files. The format must be as follows:
Field name | Description | Required | Format |
---|---|---|---|
outcome_name | The full name of the outcome | Yes | String |
outcome_shortname | The short name of the outcome | Yes | String |
outcome_description | The description of the outcome | No | String |
scale_name | The name of the scale used | String | |
scale_items | A comma-separated list of scale items | String | |
scale_description | The description of the scale | String |
Here is an example:
outcome_name;outcome_shortname;outcome_description;scale_name;scale_items;scale_description Participation;participation;;Participation scale;"Little or no participation, Satisfactory participation, Full participation";