Overview of Grade Categories
When you create a gradable item, such as add an assignment submission link or build a test, a column automatically appears in the Gradebook and is associated with the appropriate category. The default Gradebook Categories are:
- Assignment
- Test
- Discussion
- Journal
- Exam
- Homework
- Presentation
- Quiz
Watch: Managing the Gradebook to learn more.
See Also: Changing Gradebook Categories in Bulk
Procedure
You can use categories in the Gradebook when you create calculated items, such as an assignments average.
You can create new categories to customize how coursework is grouped in your course. You can use custom categories when you set up the overall grade.
To create a new Gradebook category, select the Settings icon in the Gradebook. In the Gradebook Settings panel that opens, select Add New Category and type a name.
Each time you create a graded item in your course, you have the option to change the grade category so the item is grouped into one of the custom Gradebook categories. On the Gradebook Settings panel, select the custom category in the Grade Categories menu.
Instructors can select one or more Gradebook activities on the Item Management page and assign them simultaneously to an existing category. To access Item Management from the Gradebook, click on the gear icon to open the configuration panel, then click on Manage Gradebook Items. This feature allows instructors to efficiently organize and manage Gradebook items. Changing the category of a Gradebook item updates the category label for display purposes without altering the item itself.
Once in Item Management, check the box next to the activities you wish to change their Gradebook category. Click on Edit Category in right corner. In the menu that opens, select the desired category from the ones presented in the drop-down menu, then Apply.
Image 1: Instructor is bulk changing the category for multiple selected Gradebook items.
TIP: Once items have been mass-assigned to a category, review the Overall Grade to ensure these items are linked to their new category. Publisher activities have to be re-linked to be housed inside the assigned category. To re-link, click the chain icon to the right of each item:
