Most classes are graded based on several categories:
- Homework
- Tests or Quizzes
- Classwork
- Final exam etc.
Each category is worth a percentage of your overall grade.
USE NUMBERS TO DECIDE YOUR FINAL GRADE FORMULA
Determine ahead of time the weight given to each of the sections of your grade book. Here’s an example:
Tests 50% Quizzes 25% Project 25%
Using these percentages, this is how I would figure out a student’s grade:
Tests = 86% = 86 X 2 = 172 (Tests are worth twice as much as the other two, therefore, doubled) Quizzes = 79% = 79 X 1 = 79 Project = 92% = 92 X 1 = 92 172 + 79 + 92 = 343 divided by 4 (4 parts, Tests twice, Quizzes, Project) = 85.75 = 86 = "B"
Here’s a much more complicated example, using possible percentages and an imaginary student’s grades:
Tests 30%: student score of 80% = 80 X 3 parts = 240 Quizzes 30%: student score of 90% = 90 X 3 parts = 270 Project 20%: student score of 75% = 75 X 2 parts = 150 Homework 10%: student score of A- = 92% = 92 X 1 part = 92 Class participation 10%: student score of C = 75% = 75 X 1 part = 75 Total = 240 + 270 + 150 + 92 + 75 = 827 divided by 10 parts = 82.7 = 83 = "B"
This seems like a lot of work, sure. BUT IT IS WORTH IT. Plus you can really get the hang of it after just a few times using it. It’s worth it because the system is FAIR and DEFENDABLE. Remember before, how we highlighted that the grade has to be justified and explained? This comes from all angels, be it parents, teachers, students or administrators! Now, here’s a system that does that for you! As you are beginning to understand grading systems, weights, percentages and learning, a system to decipher a final grade is the ultimate tip.