If you used the Sakai Gradebook this semester, follow these tips to make sure the grades are accurate. If you have any questions about these methods, stop by Learning Innovation office hours or email learninginnovation@duke.edu for help.
1. Check if items are included in the course grades
It is possible that columns haven’t been calculated into the course grade. For example, if you sent grades from another tool in Sakai like Tests and Quizzes and forgot to release the grades. To check, look for a calculator icon by the name of the column. To edit, click on the arrow in the bottom-right corner and choose Edit Item Details. Then check both boxes to release the grade and save changes.
2. Fill in any missing grades
Gradebook does not include ungraded items in the course grade calculation. Blank cells are an indication that no grade was entered. If the students missed an assignment or test, you must change that grade to a zero to have it count against their grade. Click into the cell to change the score. Assignments, Forums, Lessons) where that assignment was created to enter grades.
It is possible to set all missing grades in a column to zero, but be sure you didn’t excuse some missing work. If you allowed a student to skip an assignment or test, an empty cell is not a problem (and shouldn’t be changed).
3. Review categories and weighing (optional)
If you set up Gradebook to include categories and weighting (for example, tests are 15% of the total grade), items that have not be assigned to a category will not be included in course grade calculations. Look for any items listed as Uncategorized.
Click on the arrow at the bottom-right corner and Edit Item Details. Use the drop-down menu to choose the correct category for that item and save changes.
Note, if you see a category column in the Gradebook (see example) and can’t figure out how to enter the grade, you need to manually create a Gradebook item (top left of Gradebook screen).
4. Confirm the grading schema
Under Settings verify that the grading scale matches your syllabus and/or the grade thresholds used by your school or department. Letter grades with plus and minus is the default setting. The instructor may alter the percentage values or change the grade type to whole letter grades or pass/not pass.
5. Review the course grades
There is a course grade column that you should review before finishing your grading. If you need to override a final grade for a student, use the drop-down arrow next to their score in the course grade column. You can also release the course grade to students under settings if it isn’t currently visible (look for the eye icon).
When you are satisfied with the final scores, use the export tab to save and/or print a copy of the students’ grades as a record. Do not rely on Sakai as the only place to store grades.
6. Submit final grades
Your final step is to enter midterm or final grades into Duke Hub. You have the option to manually enter grades or import directly from Sakai.
