Setting Up Weighted Grades in Moodle Gradebook

This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to configure your Moodle gradebook to use a weighted grading system, where each assignment and exam is worth 100 points, but their contribution to the final course grade varies by percentage.

The key is to use the "Weighted mean of grades" aggregation method. This method allows you to assign a specific percentage to each grade item (assignments, quizzes, etc.), ensuring their individual scores are factored into the final grade according to your specified weighting.

Step 1: Access Your Gradebook Setup

1. Navigate to your course in Moodle.

2. In the course navigation menu at the top, click on Grades.

3. On the Grades page, click on the dropdown menu on the left and select Gradebook setup.

Step 2: Configure the Main Course Category

1. The first item you see in the Gradebook setup is your main course category (usually named after your course).

2. Next to the first item, click on the three dots under Actions and select Edit category.

3. Change the Aggregation method from the default (Simple weighted mean of grades) to Weighted mean of grades.

4. Click Save.

Step 3: Add Your Grade Items

1. Back on the Gradebook setup page, click on Add and select Add grade item from the drop down menu.

2. In the settings for the new grade item:

   • Item name: Give it a clear name (e.g., "Assignment 1," "Midterm Exam").

   • Maximum grade: Set this to 100. This reflects that each item is graded out of 100 points. You can always customize the maximum grade based on your course design.

   • Click Save.

3. Repeat this process to add all your assignments and exams.

Step 4: Assign Weights to Each Grade Item

Once all your grade items are added, you will see a Weight column next to each item on the Gradebook setup page.

1. Enter the desired percentage for each item into the Weight box. For example:

   • Assignment 1: Enter 10 (for 10%)

   • Midterm Exam: Enter 30 (for 30%)

   • Final Exam: Enter 40 (for 40%)

2. Moodle will automatically calculate the total percentage at the bottom. Ensure the total weight adds up to 100%.

3. Click Save changes to apply the weights.

Your Moodle gradebook is now set up to calculate the final course grade based on your specified percentages.