Point Grading System

Each assignment, in a point-based grading system, is assigned a point value. The final grade in a course is cumulative and determined by adding up all the points earned in individual assignments.

How to Create an Assessment Schema Using the Point Grade System?

Create Assessment Schema

Determine the assignment categories (e.g., homework, midterm, presentations, etc.) and group individual assignments into each category. For example, ten individual homework short paper assignments can be included in the homework category. Consider using the Backward Design framework in this step.

Set the Maximum Points Possible

Establish the maximum points for the final grade. For example, a 1000 Grade Point System means that a student can earn a maximum of 1000 points in your course after they complete all assignments.

Align Categories With Learning Objectives

Align assessment categories with the course learning objectives to determine which assessment category will be assigned a higher point value (high-stakes) and which category will have a lower point value (low stakes). For example, a midterm assignment is usually considered high-stakes, and a discussion board post can be regarded as a low-stakes assignment.

To align assessment categories with the course learning objectives, consider using the Bloom’s Taxonomy framework that classifies skills and abilities based on the complexity of cognitive processes needed for putting these skills and abilities into practice.

Originally devised in the 1950s, and revised in 2001, Bloom’s Taxonomy is usually represented as a triangle that categorizes cognitive processes in acquiring knowledge. The revised taxonomy identifies cognitive processes that happen in different stages of learning and introduces action verbs that describe the cognitive processes in a more dynamic way. Examples of assessment types that entail relatively simple cognitive processes for their completion may include multiple-choice, matching, true/false, fill-in-the-blank types of quiz questions; outlines, rough drafts…

Performance assessments, such as essays, research projects, portfolios, and recitals are some examples of assignments that engage more complex cognitive processes described in the Taxonomy. See a more elaborate list of assessment types that correspond to each cognitive level from Bloom’s Taxonomy.

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Assign Points to Each Assessment

In this step, we are calculating the final course grade using the Total column. Consider Bloom’s Taxonomy to determine which individual assessment or assessment categories deserve a higher point value.

How to use Blackboard with the Point-Based Grade System?

Each semester, your Blackboard course comes with the pre-defined Total column in the Full Grade Center. The Total column automatically adds up the point value for individual assessments such as assignments, discussion boards, tests, etc.

Notes & Recommendations

Don’t forget to add 0’s

You must enter a 0 grade for all non-submissions when grading individual student work; otherwise, the Total column will not display the correct grade.

Can percentage and point-based scales be used simultaneously?

By default, Blackboard will display both – Weighted Total column that calculates percentage and the Total column that sums up the points of individual assessments. If you plan on using only the Weighted Total column, disable the Total column by clicking on the chevron next to its title and selecting Edit Column Information. Under Options, select No next to both “Include this column in Grade Center calculations” and “Show this column to students.” Submit. Students may get confused if they can see very different values in the Weighted Total and the Total columns.

If you plan on using both columns to display the final grade breakdown, make sure that percentage weights and points are properly aligned. That is done by multiplying the percentage weight of each category by 1000 to determine how many points is each category worth. For more on aligning these two scales, see the ITT handout and the Blackboard Help page.