This idea involves creating a new grading scheme type, the Min-Max numeric grading scheme, to support numeric grading schemes worldwide without any rounding errors. Also the GPA scale can be facilitated with this idea, also without any rounding errors.

Context

The current grading scheme method originates from the need to translate assignment points to a text based grading standard such as A to F. This translation is done by defining ranges of percentages of points for each letter grade. The same method is used for the GPA grading scheme (0.0 tot 4.0).

 

The problem using a collection of ranges to match a numeric grading standard is unnecessary rounding errors.

 

To minimize the rounding errors a 0.0 to 10.0 scale needs 101 ranges to be defined:

to

(these ranges have a margin of 1%)

 

The big question is, why not eliminate the ranges entirely for number bases grades (even the GPA type could be replaced and setting it up using this feature) and have a direct calculation from points to the the numeric grade:

Numeric grading standards worldwide

Just to name a few:

0 (low) to 6 (high) Switzerland 0 (low) to 10 (high) Greece Spain Mexico 0 (low) to 20 (high) Belgium France Portugal 7 (low) to 5 (high) Germany (universities)

1 (low) to 5 (high) Croatia Hungary Kosovo Portugal Turkey 1 (low) to 6 (high) Poland 1 (low) to 9 (high) UK 1 (low) to 10 (high) Albania Italy Latvia Lithuania Moldova Netherlands Romania

1 (low) to 12 (high) Ukraine 2 (low) to 5 (high) Russia 2 (low) to 6 (high) Bulgaria 5 (low) to 10 (high) Bosnia Macedonia Serbia Slovenia 5 (low) to 1 (high) Austria Slovakia

(source: Grading systems by country - Wikipedia)

The design of the Min-Max numeric grading scheme

The new Min-Max numeric grading scheme works without ranges, but supports the direct and precise calculation from points to the grade of the selected grading standard. The Min-Max numeric grading scheme applies to the individual assignments (see How do I add a grading scheme to an assignment?) and also to the course level (see How do I add a grading scheme in a course?).

Creating a new Min-Max numeric grading scheme (mock-up)

On account or sub-account level the configuration Min-Max numeric grading scheme can be created by administrators.

Creating / editing the Min-Max numeric grading scheme:

Using a created Min-Max numeric grading scheme

 

In a course, teachers can select the created the Min-Max numeric grading scheme in the assignment settings:

Selecting the Min-Max numeric grading scheme:

Option to create multiple Min-Max numeric grading schemes

It could be beneficial to be able to create multiple Min-Max numeric grading schemes and giving each one a name or title so those names can be selected at Display grade as.

Capabilities and properties of the Min-Max numeric grading scheme

• Ability to define the range by setting a minimum value (low) and a maximum value (high).
  Examples:
  • 5 (min/low) to 10 (max/high)
  • 5 (min/low) to 1 (max/high)
  • 1 (min/low) to 10 (max/high)
• Have it accept decimals behind the decimal separator with the options:
  • Setting a limit for the amount of decimals
  • Display of decimals:
    • Automatic
      (e.g. with 2 as limit, entering 7.00 or 7 will show as 7 and entering 6.35 will show 6.35)
    • Fixed amount
      (e.g. with 1 as limit, entering 7 or 7.00 will show as 7.0 and entering 6.35 will show 6.4)
• Checkbox Limit grade when exceeding total points to keep the grade within the Min and Max.
  (e.g. while grading and more points are given than the total amount of points of the assignment, thus more than 100% of the total points)
• Use precise rounding methods
  (e.g. when using weighted assignment groups or when using it as course grading scheme)
• Offer a help text via the question mark icon at Display grade as

Calculation method

If Min < Max  Then

     Student grade = Min + ( Absolute ( Max – Min ) / Total points * Scored points )

Else

     Student grade = Min – ( Absolute ( Max – Min ) / Total points * Scored points )

End if

Display grade = format ( Student grade ; desired decimal count )

Examples

Simulation of the Min-Max numeric grading scheme

In the attached Excel sheet you can experiment with the Min-Max numeric grading scheme, by:

• Setting the assignment points
• Scored points
• Amount of decimals
• Variations in numeric grading standards
• Seeing the effects of the calculations