Allowing Extra Credit and Bonus Items in Final Calculation

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Introduction:

Instructors can set up their gradebook to allow students to earn more than the maximum points on specific items or to add extra credit opportunities using Bonus Items. This guide explains how to configure grade items, categories, and the final grade to handle extra credit effectively.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Click & Review Below for Options:

Allow Extra Credit on a Grade Item

Use this option when you want students to be able to earn more than the maximum points on a grade item (e.g., awarding 105 points on an item worth 100).

1. Navigate to Course Admin → Grades → Manage Grades.
2. Locate the grade item you want to adjust and select Edit Grade Item.
3. Scroll to the Grading section.
4. Check the box labeled Can Exceed [a].
1. Select [b] if Bonus
5. Click Save and Close.

Create an Extra Credit Assignment (Bonus Item)

In Brightspace, extra credit assignments are created as Bonus Items. Points earned from these items are added on top of a student’s calculated grade.

Note: If you place a Bonus Item inside a grade category, you must also allow that category to exceed 100%.

1. Navigate to Course Admin → Grades → Manage Grades.
2. Select the grade item you want to convert and click Edit Grade Item.
3. In the Grading section, check the box labeled Bonus [b].
- to add points from total, select [a] to Exceed.
4. Click Save and Close.

Allow a Grade Category to Exceed 100%

If a grade category contains bonus items, you must allow the category to exceed its set weight so students can receive the extra points.

1. Navigate to Course Admin → Grades → Manage Grades.
2. Locate the category and select Edit Category.
3. In the Grading section, check the box labeled Allow category grade to exceed category weight.
4. Click Save and Close.

Allow the Final Grade to Exceed 100%

If your course includes bonus items or extra credit, you may also want to allow the Final Grade to exceed 100%.

WARNING: Do not change the names of your Final Calculated Grade or Final Adjusted Grade items.

1. Navigate to Course Admin → Grades → Manage Grades.
2. Locate Final Calculated Grade (or Final Adjusted Grade, depending on setup), and click Edit.
3. In the Grading section, check the box labeled Can Exceed.
4. Click Save and Close.

For creating a column in the grade center (for extra credit points) that will not count against students who do not complete the bonus material:

Option 1: Make the Grade Item a Bonus Item

Note: If the Bonus Item is in a category, you must also set the category to Allow category grade to exceed category weight.

1. Go to Course Admin → Grades → Manage Grades.

2. Create a new Grade Item (or edit an existing one).
3. Scroll to the Grading section and check Bonus.
4. Click Save and Close.
- Students who earn points will see them added to their final grade.
- Students who skip the extra credit will see no impact on their grade.

Option 2: Allow an Item to Exceed Maximum (Can Exceed)

1. Go to Course Admin → Grades → Manage Grades.
2. Edit the grade item where you want to allow extra points (e.g., a test worth 100 points where you want to allow 105).
3. In the Grading section, check Can Exceed.
4. Click Save and Close.
- This method is best if the extra points are attached to a regular assignment or quiz, rather than a separate extra credit item.

Recommendation

For the scenario above, the instructor should create a Bonus Item. This ensures the grade item only contributes if students complete it and will not penalize others.

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Bonus Item not impacting final grade
- Check if the category containing the Bonus Item is set to “Allow category grade to exceed category weight.”
- Also confirm that the Final Grade is set to Can Exceed if you want the points applied beyond 100%.
• Students cannot earn above 100% on a grade item
- Ensure the Can Exceed box is checked on the individual grade item. Without this setting, Brightspace caps the score at the max points.
• Category totals appear incorrect
- If Bonus Items are in use, verify that the category weight distribution still matches your intended grading scheme. Categories with Bonus Items may temporarily display weights that look different, but they will calculate correctly once "Allow to Exceed" is enabled.
• Accidentally applied Bonus setting to a required grade item
- Edit the grade item, uncheck Bonus, and save. The item will return to a standard graded item without affecting other items.

Additional Resources:

FAQ Section:

• Q: What’s the difference between “Can Exceed” and “Bonus”?
- Can Exceed: Lets a grade item go beyond its maximum score (e.g., 105/100).
- Bonus: Adds points on top of the grade calculation, without changing the original weight of the grade item.
• Q: Do I need to enable both “Bonus” and “Can Exceed” on the same grade item?
- No. Use Bonus if the item is purely extra credit. Use Can Exceed if the item itself can surpass its maximum score.
• Q: Do Bonus Items affect weighted categories differently than points-based gradebooks?
- Yes. In a weighted gradebook, Bonus Items only count toward the final grade if the category is allowed to exceed 100%. In a points-based gradebook, Bonus Items automatically add extra points.
• Q: Can students see if an item is Bonus?
- Yes. In their Grades view, Bonus Items are labeled as such, so students know which points are extra credit.
• Q: Should I allow the Final Grade to exceed 100%?
- This depends on your course policy. If you want students to see the effect of Bonus or extra credit items beyond 100%, enable “Can Exceed” on the Final Grade. If you prefer the grade to cap at 100%, leave it unchecked.