Grade aggregation determines how grades are combined and calculated by Moodle to reach a final grade. Among the aggregation methods available, the Weighted Mean of Grades and Natural methods are the two most commonly used ones, which cater to the needs of the majority of CCA courses. To select a grade aggregation method for your course, begin by creating a course grading breakdown. Then, please refer to the following two concrete examples to help you determine which aggregation method aligns best with your course.

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

Before configuring your Moodle Gradebook, you should already have a basic course grade structure or grade breakdown. Many instructors list this structure in their course syllabi. While you don't necessarily need to finalize the number of grade items/activities (e.g., assignments, quizzes, and forums) at the beginning of the semester, it's crucial to understand how individual item grades will be combined to calculate the final grade.

Natural: Course final grade equals the sum of points earned

Many instructors employ a point system where 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 a percentage of that sum divided by the total points available. As demonstrated 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 use the Natural Grade Aggregation in Moodle.

Weighted Mean of Grades: Course final grade equals the sum of points earned with adjusted weights/percentages applied and then 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 count for 20% of the final grade, and within that category, both attendance and participation carry equal weight (1:1), but are weighted less (or are less important) compared to some items in other categories. 

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

Once the course grade breakdown is created and the matching grade aggregation method is selected, depending on your aggregation method, please visit Gradebook Setup - Weighted Mean of Grades or Gradebook Setup - Natural to set up your Moodle gradebook.