Grades: Using the Formula Editor
Formulas can be used to perform mathematical operations and to make logical comparisons in Gradebook data. The Formula Editor is used to build, edit, validate, and add formulas for use with formula-type grade items. See Creating Grade Items for details.
1. To Open the Formula Editor.
- Open the Properties page for a formula grade item. (If the Properties page is not visible, access the Gradebook and click the item's name in the Grade List.) You may edit the Name, Grade Scheme, and Display Options if you wish. Click Save.
- Enter total points possible (the default is 100 points). Click Save.
- Click the Edit Using the Formula Editor link in the Calculation section. The Formula Editor will appear in a separate window.
If you chose the Formula grade calculation method when setting up your gradebook, remember that you will need to write the formula for the Calculated Final Grade (and another for the Adjusted Final Grade, if desired) before you calculate final grades.
2. Build a formula using the buttons in the lower half of the Editor. Basic steps are as follows:
- Position your cursor after the equal sign using your mouse, the << and >> buttons (which move the cursor to the start or end of the formula), or the < and > buttons (which moves the cursor one item to the left or right).
- Select a Function from the dropdown menu and click Start. Functions include:
-
- MAX - calculates the maximum of a series of values
- MIN - calculates the minimum
- SUM - adds a series of values
- AVG - calculates the average
- IF - Boolean operator.
- NOT - Boolean operator.
Use additional equation elements by positioning the cursor and clicking the appropriate button. Available elements include comparison operators, And / Or Boolean operators, and brackets to control order of operation. You can also use commas to separate terms by positioning your cursor and typing them.
- From the dropdown list, choose Grade Item to include in your formula and select which associated value you'd like to use -- UserGrade (points earned), Points (points possible), and Percent (UserGrade divided by Points).
- If including additional Grade Items, click the Next Term button to insert a comma to separate items.
- When done building a function, click the End button to close the function with a bracket.
3. Click Preview to view the result of your formula in a new window. Preview applies the formula to the first 10 participants. If the formula is invalid, you'll receive an error message.
One option is to enter some sample data for grade items when setting up your Gradebook, then 'test' your formula using Preview. If the formula works, you can then clear out the sample data.
If you make an error, use the Backspace and Clear buttons to make corrections. Backspace deletes the item to the left of the cursor, and Clear clears the contents of the formula editor.
4. Click Insert when done to apply your formula.
5. Click Save on the Final Grades Properties page to save your formula or Save & New to create another formula.
