Bonus Grade Items in Brightspace

Introduction:

In Brightspace, instructors can set up their gradebooks using either a Weighted or Points-based system. While both allow for the use of bonus items, they treat them differently. This article outlines the key differences to help you decide which system fits your grading strategy and how to apply bonus items effectively.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Below you find the differences between the two:

Points-Based Gradebook

Grades are calculated by the total points earned divided by the total points possible.

  • • Bonus Items
    • Bonus points are added on top of the total points earned.
    • They do not increase the total possible points in the course.
    • For example, if the course total is 100 points and a student scores 95 + 5 bonus points, their final score is 100/100 or 100%.

  • • Usually for:
    • Simple grading
    • When each assignment's point value reflects its importance
    • Easily showing “extra credit” without changing the base total
Weighted Gradebook

Grades are calculated based on percentages assigned to categories (e.g., Quizzes = 30%, Assignments = 40%, etc.).

  • • Bonus Items:
    • Bonus items are treated as additional weight.
    • They can push a student’s score above 100% in a category or overall.
    • For example, if a category is worth 30% and a bonus item in that category is worth 5%, a student can earn up to 35% in that category (if bonuses are enabled).
  •  
  • • Usually for:
    • Balancing grade categories by importance
    • Flexibility in category and item weighting
    • Applying curved or scaled grading with bonuses

Tip: Bonus Item Not Reflecting in Final Grade? Check the Category Settings:

If your bonus points aren’t showing up in the Final Calculated Grade, even though you've checked the “Can Exceed” box for the final grade column, make sure the grade category that contains the bonus item also allows grades to exceed the total.

Example Scenario:
An instructor awarded 5 bonus points on an assignment. The final grade column was set to “Can Exceed,” but the student’s grade remained capped at 100/100 instead of reflecting 105/100. The issue? The grade category containing the bonus item didn’t allow scores to exceed the maximum.

How to Fix It:

  1. 1. Go to your Grades tool and click the Manage Grades tab.
  2. 2. Locate the category containing the bonus item.
  3. 3. Click the dropdown next to the category name and select Edit.
  4. 4. Scroll down and check the “Can Exceed” box.
  5. 5. Save your changes.
  6.  
  7. Once the category is updated, bonus points will be properly reflected in the student's Final Calculated Grade.

Tip for Weighted Gradebooks: Bonus Items in Categories:

If you add a bonus grade item to a category in a weighted gradebook, its weight determines how much it helps students within that category.

For example, let’s say your Discussion category is worth 15% of the total course grade, and you have five discussion items inside, each weighted 20 (equal parts of the category). If you add a bonus discussion with a weight of 20, it acts as an extra opportunity equal to one of the regular discussions.

So, if a student misses one discussion, completing the bonus item can make up for that missing score — helping their overall category grade without penalty.

When assigning a bonus item in a weighted gradebook, consider:

  • • The total weight of the category.

  • • The weights of the existing items.

  • • How much you want the bonus item to influence the student’s grade.

This ensures the bonus item aligns with your grading strategy and provides fair support to students.

Troubleshooting Tips:

  • • Bonus item not applying correctly?
    • Make sure it’s not excluded from final grade calculation unless intended.
    • Recalculate the final grade after adjustments.
  • • Students can't exceed 100% in Weighted?
    • Review the maximum values allowed in each category and ensure bonus weights are supported.

Additional Resources:

FAQ Section:

  • • Q: Can bonus items be used in both gradebook types?
    • A: Yes! Just be aware of how they’re calculated: extra points in Points-based vs. extra percentage weight in Weighted.
  • • Q: Can a bonus item affect the total course percentage?
    • A: In Weighted, yes — students can exceed 100%. In Points, they get a score above the course total, but the total possible remains the same.
  • • Q: Should I use bonus items or adjust grades manually?
    • A: Bonus items provide a transparent and trackable way to reward students, versus adjusting final grades behind the scenes.
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