Grade aggregation controls how grades are combined and calculated by Moodle to reach a final grade. Weighted Mean of Grades and Natural are two of the most commonly used aggregation methods that meet the needs of the majority of CCA courses. To choose a grade aggregation method for your course, start by creating a course grading breakdown. Then, refer to the following two concrete examples to determine which aggregation method is most suitable for your needs.

What is the nature of the grading structure or breakdown in your course syllabus?

Before setting up the Moodle Gradebook, you should already have a basic course grade structure or grade breakdown. Many instructors have this structure listed in their course syllabus. You do not necessarily need to finalize exactly how many graded items/activities (e.g., assignments, quizzes, and forums) to include in the course at the beginning of the semester, but it's important to understand and determine how the individual item grades will be combined to reach a final grade. 

Natural: Course final grade equals the sum of points earned

Many instructors employ a point system wherein the maximum points available for a graded item represent its relative significance or value. In this system, a student's final grade is calculated as the sum of points earned or as the percentage of that sum divided by the total points available. As shown below in Example A where a point system is employed for a course, assignment 3 (max pts: 100) holds greater importance or value than assignment 2 (max pts: 50). 

If your grading plan aligns with Example A, you will need to use the Natural Grade Aggregation in Moodle. The next page of this book will walk you through the steps to set the grade aggregation. 

Weighted Mean of Grades: Course final grade equals the sum of points earned with adjusted weights/percentages divided by the total weights

On the other hand, some instructors may have a grading structure similar to Example B below, where the relative value or significance of a graded item is determined not by the maximum points, but by adjusted percentages or weights. In the case of Example B, class participation is planned to account for 20% of the final grade, and within that category, both attendance and participation carry equal weight (1:1), but are weighted less or less important compared to some of the items in other categories. 

If your course grading breakdown does not rely on a point system but adjusted weights or percentages, meaning that the maximum points for an item do not directly indicate value or significance, then you will need to use the Weighted Mean of Grades aggregation method. 

After creating your course grading breakdown and selecting a matching grade aggregation method, you can proceed to set up your gradebook.