PulseLMS Grading and Assessment Documentation¶

Complete Guide to Gradebook, Rubrics, Marking Guides, and Assessment Tools¶

Version: 4.5 Last Updated: January 2026 Document ID: PULSE-GRADE-024

Table of Contents¶

Introduction to Grading in PulseLMS
Gradebook Overview and Navigation
Grader Report
Grade Categories and Items
Grade Calculations and Formulas
Grade Scales
Grade Letters and Boundaries
Grade Import and Export
Grade History
Single View for Quick Grading
User Report
Outcomes and Competencies
Advanced Grading Methods
Rubrics
Marking Guides
Grading Forms
Assignment Grading Workflow
Blind and Anonymous Grading
Offline Grading Worksheet
Feedback Types
Annotating PDFs
Quick Grading
Grade Overrides
Best Practices
Troubleshooting

Introduction to Grading in PulseLMS¶

Overview of the Grading System¶

PulseLMS provides a comprehensive, flexible, and powerful grading system designed to meet the needs of educational institutions of all sizes. From simple point-based grading to complex weighted category systems with custom calculations, PulseLMS offers the tools educators need to accurately assess and communicate student performance.

The grading system in PulseLMS is built around several core components:

Gradebook - The central hub for viewing, managing, and calculating grades
Grade Items - Individual gradeable activities within a course
Grade Categories - Organizational containers for grouping grade items
Grade Scales - Custom or standard scales for non-numeric grading
Advanced Grading - Rubrics, marking guides, and other structured assessment tools
Reports - Various views for instructors, students, and administrators

Key Features¶

The PulseLMS grading system includes:

Flexible Grade Aggregation: Choose from multiple aggregation methods including weighted mean, simple mean, median, highest, and more
Custom Calculations: Create complex grade formulas using mathematical expressions
Multiple Grading Scales: Use points, percentages, letter grades, or custom scales
Advanced Grading Methods: Implement rubrics and marking guides for consistent assessment
Comprehensive Reporting: Access detailed grade reports and history
Import/Export Capabilities: Transfer grades using CSV, XML, and other formats
Blind Grading: Ensure fairness with anonymous grading options
Workflow Management: Control the grading and release process

User Roles and Permissions¶

Different users have different levels of access to the grading system:

Role	Capabilities
Administrator	Full system configuration, all grading features
Manager	Course-level grade management, report access
Teacher	Grade entry, gradebook management, advanced grading
Non-editing Teacher	Grade entry, limited gradebook editing
Student	View own grades and feedback

Accessing the Gradebook¶

To access the gradebook in any course:

Navigate to your course
Click on Grades in the course navigation menu
Or access via Course Administration > Grades

The default view is the Grader Report, which shows all students and their grades in a spreadsheet-like format.

The Gradebook Interface¶

The PulseLMS gradebook is organized into several key areas:

When you enter the gradebook, you'll see these primary navigation options:

View Tab
Grader report
Grade history
Outcomes report
Overview report
Single view
User report
Setup Tab
Gradebook setup
Course grade settings
Preferences: Grader report
Scales Tab
View scales
Add a new scale
Letters Tab
View letter grades
Edit letter grades
Import Tab
CSV file
Paste from spreadsheet
XML file
Export Tab
OpenDocument spreadsheet
Plain text file
Excel spreadsheet
XML file

Gradebook Setup Screen¶

The Gradebook Setup screen is where you configure the structure of your gradebook:

Course Total
├── Category: Assignments (Weight: 40%)
│   ├── Assignment 1 (10 points)
│   ├── Assignment 2 (10 points)
│   └── Assignment 3 (10 points)
├── Category: Quizzes (Weight: 30%)
│   ├── Quiz 1 (20 points)
│   ├── Quiz 2 (20 points)
│   └── Quiz 3 (20 points)
├── Category: Participation (Weight: 10%)
│   └── Forum Participation (100 points)
└── Category: Exams (Weight: 20%)
    ├── Midterm Exam (100 points)
    └── Final Exam (100 points)

Understanding Grade Item Types¶

PulseLMS supports several types of grade items:

Activity Grade Items¶

These are automatically created when you add gradeable activities: - Assignments - Quizzes - Forums (if graded) - Workshops - Lessons - SCORM packages - H5P activities - Database activities - Glossaries (if graded)

Manual Grade Items¶

Created directly in the gradebook for: - Participation grades - Attendance - External assessments - Paper-based tests - Presentations - Lab work

Calculated Grade Items¶

Items whose values are computed from other grades using formulas.

Use the dropdown menus to quickly switch between reports
Click on student names to access individual user reports
Click on grade item names to access the grading interface
Use the search function to find specific students

Keyboard Shortcuts¶

Shortcut	Action
Tab	Move to next cell
Shift+Tab	Move to previous cell
Enter	Save and move down
Escape	Cancel editing
Ctrl+S	Save all changes

Customizing the Display¶

Show/Hide Columns¶

Click on the Settings icon in the gradebook
Select Show/Hide grade items
Toggle visibility for individual items or categories

Collapsing Categories¶

Click the minus (-) icon next to a category to collapse it
Click the plus (+) icon to expand
Useful for managing large gradebooks

Row Highlighting¶

Hover over a row to highlight the entire student record
Click to select and lock the highlight

Course Grade Settings¶

Access course-specific grade settings via Setup > Course grade settings:

General Settings¶

Grade display type: Real, Percentage, Letter, or combinations
Overall decimal points: Number of decimal places to display
Grade item settings: Forced or editable at item level

Grade Category Settings¶

Hide totals if they contain hidden items: Controls visibility of category totals
Available aggregation types: Which methods teachers can use

User Report Settings¶

Show rank: Display student ranking
Hide totals: Control what students see
Show percentage: Display percentage in user reports
Show grades: Control grade visibility
Show feedback: Control feedback visibility
Show weight: Display weight in calculations
Show average: Show class average
Show letter grades: Display letter equivalents
Show range: Display grade ranges
Show contribution: Show how each grade affects total

Grader Report¶

Understanding the Grader Report¶

The Grader Report is the primary interface for viewing and editing grades. It presents a spreadsheet-like view with:

Students listed in rows (leftmost column)
Grade items listed in columns
Grades displayed in the cells at intersections
Category and course totals calculated automatically

Grader Report Layout¶

+------------------+----------+----------+----------+----------+---------+
| Student          | Assign 1 | Assign 2 | Quiz 1   | Midterm  | Total   |
+------------------+----------+----------+----------+----------+---------+
| Adams, John      | 85       | 92       | 88       | 91       | 89.0%   |
| Baker, Sarah     | 78       | 85       | 82       | 85       | 82.5%   |
| Clark, Michael   | 92       | 95       | 94       | 97       | 94.5%   |
| Davis, Emily     | --       | 88       | 79       | 82       | 83.0%   |
+------------------+----------+----------+----------+----------+---------+
| Average          | 85.0     | 90.0     | 85.75    | 88.75    | 87.25%  |
+------------------+----------+----------+----------+----------+---------+

Viewing Grades¶

Sorting Options¶

Click on any column header to sort by that column
Click again to reverse sort order
First name, last name, and ID columns are available for sorting

Filtering Students¶

Use the search box to find specific students
Filter by groups (if groups are enabled)
Filter by first letter of name

Display Options¶

Access via Preferences: Grader report:

Show calculations: Display formula icons
Show show/hide icons: Allow toggling visibility
Show column averages: Display class averages
Show locks: Show lock status indicators
Show user profile images: Display student photos
Show activity icons: Show icons for activity types
Show ranges: Display possible grade ranges
Students per page: Number of students per page (10-1000)
Show only active enrolments: Filter out suspended students
Enable AJAX: Use dynamic loading

Editing Grades¶

Turn Editing On¶

Click Turn editing on button
Grade cells become editable
Click in a cell to enter a grade

Entering Grades¶

Type the numeric value directly
Use Tab to move to the next cell
Press Enter to save and move down
Click outside the cell to save

Quick Grading Mode¶

Enable Quick grading in the grader report preferences: - All cells become input fields - Enter multiple grades quickly - Click Save changes when done

Overriding Grades¶

When editing a grade manually, you're creating an override: - Overridden grades have an orange background - They won't be updated by the activity - Remove override by clearing the grade and saving

Grade Cell Indicators¶

Different visual indicators show grade status:

Indicator	Meaning
Orange background	Overridden grade
Gray background	Hidden grade
Lock icon	Locked grade item
Calculation icon	Calculated grade
Dash (--)	No grade submitted
Exclamation mark	Grade needs attention

Editing Grade Items¶

Click on a grade item header to access:

Edit grade item: Modify settings
Hide: Make invisible to students
Lock: Prevent further changes
View grades: See all grades for this item
Delete: Remove the grade item

Category Operations¶

Click on a category header to access:

Edit category: Modify category settings
Hide category: Hide all items in category
Lock category: Lock all items in category
View grades: Category total view

Bulk Operations¶

Perform operations on multiple students:

Select students using checkboxes
Choose operation from dropdown:
Insert grades
Delete grades
Hide grades
Show grades
Lock grades
Unlock grades

Exporting the Grader Report¶

Quick export options available: 1. Click Export in the gradebook navigation 2. Choose format (Excel, CSV, XML, etc.) 3. Select which items to include 4. Download the file

Grade Categories and Items¶

Understanding Grade Categories¶

Grade categories are containers that group related grade items together. They enable:

Logical organization of grades
Different weighting for groups of activities
Separate aggregation methods per category
Dropping lowest grades within a category
Cleaner display for students

Creating a Grade Category¶

Navigate to Gradebook Setup
Click Add category at the bottom
Configure the category settings

Category Settings¶

Basic Settings: - Category name: Descriptive name (e.g., "Homework Assignments") - Aggregation: How grades within are combined - Exclude empty grades: Whether to ignore missing grades

Grade Display: - Grade type: Value, Scale, Text, or None - Scale: If using scale grading - Maximum grade: Maximum points for category total - Minimum grade: Minimum points (usually 0)

Parent Category: - Parent category: Which category this belongs to - Weight: Relative weight in parent category

Aggregation Methods¶

PulseLMS offers multiple aggregation methods:

Mean of Grades¶

Simple average of all grades in the category.

Category Total = (Grade1 + Grade2 + ... + GradeN) / N

Weighted Mean of Grades¶

Weighted average based on item weights.

Category Total = (Grade1 × Weight1 + Grade2 × Weight2 + ...) / (Weight1 + Weight2 + ...)

Simple Weighted Mean¶

Similar to weighted mean but uses maximum grade as weight.

Category Total = (Grade1 + Grade2 + ...) / (Max1 + Max2 + ...)

Mean of Grades (with Extra Credits)¶

Grades beyond 100% contribute extra credit.

Median of Grades¶

Middle value when grades are sorted.

Lowest Grade¶

Only the lowest grade counts.

Highest Grade¶

Only the highest grade counts.

Mode of Grades¶

Most frequently occurring grade.

Natural¶

Sum of all grades divided by sum of maximum grades.

Category Total = Sum of Grades / Sum of Maximum Grades × Maximum Category Points

Configuring Aggregation¶

Each aggregation method has specific options:

Drop Lowest/Highest¶

Drop the lowest: Exclude N lowest grades
Keep the highest: Only count N highest grades
Example: Drop 2 lowest homework grades

Extra Credit Items¶

Mark items as extra credit
They contribute to total but don't increase maximum
Example: 5-point bonus quiz

Weight Adjustments¶

Fine-tune item weights within category
Normalize weights automatically
Lock weights to prevent auto-adjustment

Creating Grade Items¶

Manual Grade Items¶

To create a manual grade item:

Go to Gradebook Setup
Click Add grade item
Configure settings:

Item Name: Descriptive identifier

Examples:
- "Participation Grade"
- "Lab Report 3"
- "Presentation Score"

Grade Type Options: - Value: Numeric grade with minimum/maximum - Scale: Use a predefined scale - Text: Text feedback only (no numeric grade) - None: Placeholder with no grade

Grade Settings: - Maximum grade: Highest possible score - Minimum grade: Lowest possible score - Grade to pass: Minimum for passing - Decimal points: Display precision

Parent Category: Where this item belongs

Item Info: Optional description for reference

Activity Grade Items¶

Activities automatically create grade items when added:

Add an assignment, quiz, or other gradeable activity
A grade item is automatically created
Settings sync from the activity settings
Grades update automatically when graded

Organizing Grade Items¶

Moving Items Between Categories¶

Go to Gradebook Setup
Click the Move icon next to an item
Click the destination category
Or drag and drop (if enabled)

Reordering Items¶

Use the Move icon and arrows
Or enable drag-and-drop reordering
Order affects display in reports

Category Hierarchy¶

Categories can be nested for complex structures:

Course Total (Natural)
├── Coursework (Weight: 60%)
│   ├── Assignments (Weight: 40%)
│   │   ├── Essay 1 (100 points)
│   │   ├── Essay 2 (100 points)
│   │   └── Essay 3 (100 points)
│   ├── Labs (Weight: 30%)
│   │   ├── Lab 1 (50 points)
│   │   ├── Lab 2 (50 points)
│   │   └── Lab 3 (50 points)
│   └── Participation (Weight: 30%)
│       ├── Forum Posts (50 points)
│       └── Class Discussion (50 points)
└── Assessments (Weight: 40%)
    ├── Quizzes (Weight: 30%)
    │   ├── Quiz 1 (25 points)
    │   ├── Quiz 2 (25 points)
    │   └── Quiz 3 (25 points)
    └── Exams (Weight: 70%)
        ├── Midterm (100 points)
        └── Final (150 points)

Grade Item Settings¶

Each grade item has configurable settings:

Visibility Settings¶

Hidden: Hide from students
Hidden until: Auto-show after date
Locked: Prevent grade changes
Locked after: Auto-lock after date

Grade Calculation Settings¶

Weight: Item weight in category
Weight adjusted: Lock weight from normalization
Extra credit: Mark as extra credit

Display Settings¶

Grade display type: Override course display
Decimal points: Override decimal display
Hidden from totals: Exclude from calculations

Grade Calculations and Formulas¶

Introduction to Grade Calculations¶

PulseLMS allows you to create calculated grade items using mathematical formulas. This powerful feature enables:

Complex grading scenarios
Conditional calculations
Custom aggregation methods
Derived grades from multiple sources

Creating a Calculated Grade Item¶

Navigate to Gradebook Setup
Click Add grade item
Enter item details
Save the item
Click the Calculator icon next to the item
Enter your formula

Formula Syntax¶

Basic Structure¶

=formula

Every formula must begin with an equals sign (=).

Referencing Grade Items¶

Use double square brackets with the ID number:

=[[item123]]

Or use the ID name format:

=[[Assignment 1]]

The system shows available items with their ID tags.

ID Numbers and Item References¶

Finding ID Numbers¶

Go to Gradebook Setup
Look in the ID Number column
Or hover over items to see IDs

Setting ID Numbers¶

Edit the grade item
Find ID Number field
Enter a unique identifier
Use alphanumeric characters (no spaces)

Examples:

assign1
quiz_midterm
lab_report_1
final_exam

Mathematical Operators¶

Operator	Description	Example
+	Addition	=[[a1]]+[[a2]]
-	Subtraction	=[[a1]]-[[a2]]
*	Multiplication	=[[a1]]*2
/	Division	=[[a1]]/[[a2]]
^	Power	=[[a1]]^2
%	Modulo	=[[a1]]%10

Built-in Functions¶

PulseLMS supports numerous functions for calculations:

Aggregate Functions¶

=average([[a1]],[[a2]],[[a3]])    # Average of items
=max([[a1]],[[a2]],[[a3]])        # Maximum value
=min([[a1]],[[a2]],[[a3]])        # Minimum value
=sum([[a1]],[[a2]],[[a3]])        # Sum of items
=median([[a1]],[[a2]],[[a3]])     # Median value

Mathematical Functions¶

=round([[a1]],2)      # Round to 2 decimal places
=roundup([[a1]],0)    # Round up to integer
=rounddown([[a1]],0)  # Round down to integer
=abs([[a1]])          # Absolute value
=sqrt([[a1]])         # Square root
=power([[a1]],3)      # Raise to power of 3
=log([[a1]])          # Natural logarithm
=log10([[a1]])        # Base-10 logarithm
=exp([[a1]])          # e raised to power

Conditional Functions¶

=if([[a1]]>=90,100,if([[a1]]>=80,90,if([[a1]]>=70,80,70)))

The IF function syntax:

=if(condition, value_if_true, value_if_false)

Comparison Operators¶

>    Greater than
<    Less than
>=   Greater than or equal
<=   Less than or equal
=    Equal to (note: single equals in conditions)
<>   Not equal to

Complex Formula Examples¶

Weighted Average¶

=([[assign1]]*0.3+[[assign2]]*0.3+[[assign3]]*0.4)

Drop Lowest of Three¶

=sum([[q1]],[[q2]],[[q3]])-min([[q1]],[[q2]],[[q3]])

Curved Grade¶

=min(100,[[exam]]*1.1)

Extra Credit Bonus¶

=[[total]]+if([[extra]]>0,[[extra]]*0.5,0)

Conditional Pass/Fail¶

=if([[final]]>=70,100,if([[midterm]]>=80,100,0))

Percentage of Maximum¶

=([[score]]/[[max_score]])*100

Nested Functions¶

Functions can be nested for complex calculations:

=round(average([[q1]],[[q2]],max([[q3]],[[q4]])),2)

This calculates: 1. Maximum of q3 and q4 2. Average of q1, q2, and the maximum 3. Rounds to 2 decimal places

Handling Missing Grades¶

Configure how calculations handle empty grades:

Exclude Empty Grades¶

In category settings, enable Exclude empty grades: - Empty grades are ignored in calculations - Prevents zeros for unsubmitted work

Treat Empty as Zero¶

When disabled: - Empty grades count as zero - Affects averages and totals

Conditional Check for Empty¶

=if([[a1]]>0,[[a1]],0)

Calculation Examples by Scenario¶

Scenario 1: Best 3 of 4 Quizzes¶

=sum([[q1]],[[q2]],[[q3]],[[q4]])-min([[q1]],[[q2]],[[q3]],[[q4]])

Scenario 2: Attendance Bonus¶

=[[base_grade]]+if([[attendance]]>=95,5,if([[attendance]]>=90,3,0))

Scenario 3: Curved Exam Score¶

=min(100,sqrt([[raw_score]])*10)

Scenario 4: Weighted Final with Threshold¶

=if([[coursework]]>=50,([[coursework]]*0.6+[[exam]]*0.4),0)

Scenario 5: Participation Multiplier¶

=[[assignments]]*if([[participation]]>=90,1.1,if([[participation]]>=80,1.05,1))

Troubleshooting Calculations¶

Common Errors¶

Error: Unknown function - Check function spelling - Verify function is supported

Error: Invalid formula - Ensure formula starts with = - Check bracket matching - Verify item references exist

Error: Division by zero - Add conditional check: =if([[denominator]]<>0,[[numerator]]/[[denominator]],0)

Error: Circular reference - Item cannot reference itself - Check for indirect circular references

Formula Best Practices¶

Test formulas with known values before applying
Use clear ID numbers for item references
Document complex formulas in item descriptions
Keep formulas readable with proper spacing
Consider edge cases like missing or zero grades
Validate results after implementing

Grade Scales¶

Understanding Grade Scales¶

Grade scales provide non-numeric grading options. Instead of points, you can grade using words or phrases like:

Excellent, Good, Satisfactory, Needs Improvement
A, B, C, D, F
Pass, Fail
Not yet competent, Competent, Proficient, Expert
Unsatisfactory, Developing, Proficient, Exemplary

Standard Scales¶

PulseLMS includes several built-in scales:

Separate and Connected Ways of Knowing¶

Used for forum ratings: - Mostly Separate Knowing - Separate and Connected - Mostly Connected Knowing

Competency Scale¶

Not yet competent
Competent

Creating Custom Scales¶

Navigate to Grades > Scales
Click Add a new scale
Enter scale details:

Scale Settings¶

Name: Descriptive identifier

Examples:
- "Proficiency Levels"
- "Project Quality Scale"
- "Performance Rubric"

Scale Values: Comma-separated list from lowest to highest

Examples:
- "Unsatisfactory, Needs Improvement, Satisfactory, Good, Excellent"
- "Beginning, Developing, Accomplished, Exemplary"
- "F, D, C, B, A"
- "Not Met, Partially Met, Met, Exceeded"

Description: Explain each level's meaning

Standard Scale: Check to make available site-wide

Scale Value Order¶

Important: Values must be ordered from NEGATIVE to POSITIVE: - First value = Lowest/Worst - Last value = Highest/Best

The system assigns numeric values based on position:

"Fail, Pass" becomes:
- Fail = 1
- Pass = 2

"F, D, C, B, A" becomes:
- F = 1
- D = 2
- C = 3
- B = 4
- A = 5

Using Scales¶

In Activities¶

When creating or editing an activity: 1. Set Grade type to "Scale" 2. Select the scale from dropdown 3. Save the activity

In Manual Grade Items¶

Create grade item in Gradebook Setup
Set Grade type to "Scale"
Choose the scale
Save the item

Scale Examples¶

Academic Performance Scale¶

Scale: "Failing, Poor, Below Average, Average, Above Average, Good, Excellent, Outstanding"
Values: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Competency-Based Scale¶

Scale: "Not Yet Competent, Developing Competency, Competent, Highly Competent, Expert"
Values: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Simple Pass/Fail¶

Scale: "Fail, Pass"
Values: 1, 2

Effort Scale¶

Scale: "Minimal Effort, Some Effort, Good Effort, Strong Effort, Maximum Effort"
Values: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Scales and Calculations¶

When used in calculations: - Scales are converted to numeric equivalents - First item = 1, Second = 2, etc. - Can be used in formulas like numeric grades

Example calculation with scale:

=if([[participation_scale]]>=4,"Good Standing","Needs Improvement")

Managing Scales¶

Editing Scales¶

Navigate to Grades > Scales
Click Edit next to the scale
Modify settings
Save changes

Note: Changing an in-use scale affects all grades using it.

Deleting Scales¶

Only unused scales can be deleted
Remove from all activities first
Then delete from scale list

Best Practices for Scales¶

Be specific: Use clear, unambiguous terms
Limit options: 4-7 levels is typically ideal
Document levels: Provide descriptions for each level
Consider progression: Ensure logical progression
Match assessment: Align with learning objectives

Grade Letters and Boundaries¶

Understanding Letter Grades¶

Letter grades map numeric percentages to letter equivalents. PulseLMS allows customization at:

Site level (default for all courses)
Course level (override for specific course)

Default Letter Grade Boundaries¶

Standard US letter grade scale:

A+  100.00 - 100.00%
A   93.00 - 99.99%
A-  90.00 - 92.99%
B+  87.00 - 89.99%
B   83.00 - 86.99%
B-  80.00 - 82.99%
C+  77.00 - 79.99%
C   73.00 - 76.99%
C-  70.00 - 72.99%
D+  67.00 - 69.99%
D   63.00 - 66.99%
D-  60.00 - 62.99%
F   0.00 - 59.99%

Viewing Letter Grade Settings¶

Navigate to Grades > Letters
View current letter boundaries
See both site-level and course-level settings

Editing Course Letter Grades¶

Go to Grades > Letters > Edit
Check Override site defaults
Modify letter boundaries:

Editing Interface¶

Letter	Lowest Boundary (%)
A+	97.00
A	93.00
A-	90.00
B+	87.00
...	...

Enter the lowest percentage for each letter grade.

Custom Letter Grade Schemes¶

Pass/Fail Scheme¶

P (Pass)    60.00% and above
F (Fail)    0.00% - 59.99%

Standards-Based¶

4 (Exceeds)     90.00% - 100%
3 (Meets)       70.00% - 89.99%
2 (Approaching) 50.00% - 69.99%
1 (Beginning)   0.00% - 49.99%

International Baccalaureate Style¶

7   90.00% - 100%
6   80.00% - 89.99%
5   70.00% - 79.99%
4   55.00% - 69.99%
3   40.00% - 54.99%
2   25.00% - 39.99%
1   0.00% - 24.99%

UK Degree Classification Style¶

First       70.00% - 100%
Upper 2:1   60.00% - 69.99%
Lower 2:2   50.00% - 59.99%
Third       40.00% - 49.99%
Fail        0.00% - 39.99%

Configuring Boundaries¶

Rules for Boundaries¶

Boundaries must not overlap
Must cover 0-100% range
Enter LOWEST percentage for each letter
Higher letters must have higher boundaries

Example Configuration¶

To set up: - A: 90-100% - B: 80-89.99% - C: 70-79.99% - D: 60-69.99% - F: 0-59.99%

Enter:

A: 90.00
B: 80.00
C: 70.00
D: 60.00
F: 0.00

Force Letter Display¶

Override how grades display:

Go to Course grade settings
Set Grade display type to "Letter"
All grades show as letters

Or per-item: 1. Edit the grade item 2. Set item-level Grade display type to "Letter"

Letter Grades in Reports¶

Letters appear in: - User reports (if enabled) - Grader report (can configure) - Export files (optional column) - Grade item pages

Best Practices¶

Document your scheme: Share with students in syllabus
Be consistent: Use same scheme throughout course
Consider grade inflation: Set appropriate boundaries
Account for rounding: Handle boundary cases
Communicate changes: Notify students of any changes

Grade Import and Export¶

Importing Grades¶

PulseLMS supports multiple import formats for adding or updating grades:

CSV Import¶

Navigate to Grades > Import > CSV file
Upload your CSV file
Map columns to grade items
Preview and confirm import

CSV File Requirements¶

Required columns: - Student identifier (email, username, or ID number)

Optional columns: - Any grade item columns to import - Feedback columns

Example CSV:

email,Assignment 1,Assignment 2,Quiz 1
[email protected],85,92,78
[email protected],90,88,82
[email protected],78,85,90

CSV Import Settings¶

Encoding: UTF-8 recommended
Separator: Comma, tab, or semicolon
Verbose scales: Use scale values or numbers
Force import: Override locked grades

Column Mapping¶

After upload, map each CSV column: 1. Ignore column: Don't import 2. New grade item: Create new item 3. Existing item: Map to existing grade item 4. Feedback for item: Import as feedback

XML Import¶

Navigate to Grades > Import > XML file
Upload PulseLMS-format XML
Confirm import

XML Format:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<results>
    <result>
        <student>[email protected]</student>
        <assignment>Assignment 1</assignment>
        <score>85</score>
    </result>
    <result>
        <student>[email protected]</student>
        <assignment>Assignment 1</assignment>
        <score>90</score>
    </result>
</results>

Paste from Spreadsheet¶

Navigate to Grades > Import > Paste from spreadsheet
Copy data from Excel/Google Sheets
Paste into the text area
Map columns
Import

Exporting Grades¶

Export Formats¶

OpenDocument Spreadsheet (.ods) - Open format compatible with LibreOffice - Preserves formatting

Excel Spreadsheet (.xlsx) - Microsoft Excel format - Wide compatibility

Plain Text (.txt) - Tab-separated values - Maximum compatibility - Good for scripts/automation

XML File (.xml) - Structured data format - Good for system integration

Export Options¶

When exporting, configure:

Grade Items to Include: - Select individual items - Select by category - Include hidden items (or not)

Output Format Options: - Real grades: Actual point values - Percentages: Percentage values - Letters: Letter grade equivalents

Display Options: - Include feedback - Include last download date - Include grades hidden from students

Export Process¶

Navigate to Grades > Export
Choose export format
Select items to include
Configure options
Click Download

Grade Import/Export Examples¶

Importing Offline Assignment Grades¶

Scenario: Grade 50 paper submissions offline

Export current grades (to get student list)
Add grades in spreadsheet
Save as CSV
Import CSV back into PulseLMS
Verify grades in grader report

Syncing with External System¶

Scenario: Import grades from external testing platform

Export grades from external system as CSV
Ensure student identifiers match
Import into PulseLMS
Map columns to grade items

Backing Up Grades¶

Scenario: Archive end-of-semester grades

Export as Excel
Include all items and categories
Save with date in filename
Store in secure location

Import/Export Best Practices¶

Backup before importing: Export current grades first
Test with small sample: Import a few records first
Verify identifiers match: Student IDs must correspond
Check column mapping: Ensure correct item matching
Preview before confirming: Review the import preview
Document your process: Note any transformations made

Grade History¶

Understanding Grade History¶

Grade History provides a complete audit trail of all grade changes in a course. This feature:

Tracks who changed grades
Records when changes occurred
Shows original and new values
Enables grade recovery
Supports academic integrity investigations

Accessing Grade History¶

Navigate to Grades > View > Grade history
Or from Gradebook navigation menu

Grade History Interface¶

The history view shows:

Column	Description
Date	When the change occurred
Time	Exact time of change
Student	Affected student
Grade Item	Which item was changed
Original Grade	Previous value
Revised Grade	New value
Grader	Who made the change
Source	Activity or manual

Filtering Grade History¶

By Date Range¶

From date: Start of period
To date: End of period
Useful for term-specific reports

By Student¶

Select specific student
View individual grade history
Useful for grade appeals

By Grader¶

Filter by who made changes
Track instructor activity
Monitor TA grading

By Grade Item¶

Focus on specific assignment
Track changes to one item
Debug calculation issues

Grade History Reports¶

Standard History Report¶

Lists all grade changes with full details.

Revision History¶

Shows each revision for a specific grade:

Assignment 1 - Student: John Smith
Revision 1: 85 (2026-01-10 14:30, Instructor)
Revision 2: 88 (2026-01-11 09:15, Instructor) - Regraded
Revision 3: 88 (2026-01-11 10:00, System) - Recalculated

Using History for Grade Recovery¶

If a grade was accidentally changed:

Open Grade History
Find the original grade entry
Note the correct value
Edit the grade item
Enter the correct grade

Grade History and Academic Integrity¶

For investigation purposes:

Export grade history for the period
Identify unusual patterns
Cross-reference with activity logs
Document findings

History Retention¶

Grade history is retained: - For the lifetime of the course - After course archive/restore - Configurable by administrators

Single View for Quick Grading¶

Understanding Single View¶

Single View provides a focused grading interface for: - Grading one item for all students - Grading all items for one student

This is faster than navigating the full grader report.

Accessing Single View¶

Navigate to Grades > View > Single view
Or click on a student name in the grader report
Or click on a grade item column header

Single View by Grade Item¶

Focus on one assignment for all students:

Choose Grade item tab
Select the grade item
View all students and their grades
Edit multiple grades quickly
Save changes

Interface:

Assignment 1 (100 points)
+------------------+-------+-----------+----------+
| Student          | Grade | Override  | Excluded |
+------------------+-------+-----------+----------+
| Adams, John      | 85    | [ ]       | [ ]      |
| Baker, Sarah     | [  ]  | [ ]       | [ ]      |
| Clark, Michael   | 92    | [ ]       | [ ]      |
| Davis, Emily     | [  ]  | [ ]       | [ ]      |
+------------------+-------+-----------+----------+

Single View by User¶

Focus on one student for all items:

Choose User tab
Select the student
View all their grades
Edit grades as needed
Save changes

Interface:

Student: John Adams
+------------------+-------+-----------+----------+
| Grade Item       | Grade | Override  | Excluded |
+------------------+-------+-----------+----------+
| Assignment 1     | 85    | [ ]       | [ ]      |
| Assignment 2     | 92    | [x]       | [ ]      |
| Quiz 1           | 88    | [ ]       | [ ]      |
| Midterm          | 91    | [ ]       | [ ]      |
+------------------+-------+-----------+----------+

Bulk Actions in Single View¶

Override Grades¶

Check Override to manually set grade
Prevents automatic updates from activity
Shown with orange background

Exclude from Calculations¶

Check Excluded to remove from totals
Grade still visible but not counted
Useful for accommodation

Bulk Set¶

Use Perform bulk insert option
Apply same grade to all selected
Great for participation grades

Feedback in Single View¶

Add feedback for each grade: 1. Click Show feedback option 2. Feedback boxes appear 3. Enter feedback text 4. Save with grades

Use dropdown to switch students/items
Arrow buttons move to next/previous
Search to find specific entries
Save before navigating away

User Report¶

Understanding User Reports¶

The User Report shows grades from the student's perspective. It displays:

All visible grade items
Grades and feedback
Category totals
Course total
Comparison data (if enabled)

Accessing User Reports¶

As an instructor: 1. Navigate to Grades > View > User report 2. Select student from dropdown

As a student: 1. Click Grades in course navigation 2. Automatically see own grades

User Report Display¶

Student View:

Course: Introduction to Biology
Student: John Adams

+-----------------+-------+--------+----------+---------+
| Grade Item      | Grade | Range  | Percent  | Weight  |
+-----------------+-------+--------+----------+---------+
| Assignments     |       |        |          | 40.00%  |
| - Assignment 1  | 85    | 0-100  | 85.00%   | 33.33%  |
| - Assignment 2  | 92    | 0-100  | 92.00%   | 33.33%  |
| - Assignment 3  | 88    | 0-100  | 88.00%   | 33.33%  |
| Category total  | 88.33 |        | 88.33%   |         |
+-----------------+-------+--------+----------+---------+
| Quizzes         |       |        |          | 30.00%  |
| - Quiz 1        | 78    | 0-100  | 78.00%   | 33.33%  |
| - Quiz 2        | 82    | 0-100  | 82.00%   | 33.33%  |
| - Quiz 3        | 85    | 0-100  | 85.00%   | 33.33%  |
| Category total  | 81.67 |        | 81.67%   |         |
+-----------------+-------+--------+----------+---------+
| Exams           |       |        |          | 30.00%  |
| - Midterm       | 88    | 0-100  | 88.00%   | 40.00%  |
| - Final         | --    | 0-100  | --       | 60.00%  |
| Category total  | 88.00 |        | 88.00%   |         |
+-----------------+-------+--------+----------+---------+
| COURSE TOTAL    | 86.00 |        | 86.00%   |         |
+-----------------+-------+--------+----------+---------+

Configuring User Report Display¶

In Course grade settings, configure what students see:

Show/Hide Options¶

Setting	Description
Show rank	Display class ranking
Hide totals	Hide category/course totals
Show percentage	Display percentage column
Show grades	Show actual grades
Show feedback	Display feedback text
Show weight	Show item weights
Show average	Display class average
Show letter grades	Show letter equivalent
Show range	Display possible range
Show contribution	Show grade contribution to total

Rank and Statistics¶

If enabled, students see: - Their rank in the class - Class average for each item - Median scores - Distribution information

Feedback Display¶

Feedback appears: - Below each grade item - In expandable sections - With full formatting preserved - Including any attached files

Student View Simulation¶

Instructors can see what students see:

Open User Report
Select student
View shows student's perspective
Verify hidden items are actually hidden

Outcomes and Competencies¶

Understanding Outcomes¶

Outcomes are specific, measurable learning objectives that can be assessed: - Tied to activities and grade items - Use custom scales - Track student competency development - Support standards-based grading

Creating Outcomes¶

Navigate to Grades > Outcomes
Click Add a new outcome
Configure settings:

Outcome Settings¶

Full Name: Complete outcome description

Example: "Demonstrate understanding of scientific method"

Short Name: Brief identifier

Example: "Scientific Method"

Scale: Assessment scale to use

Example: "Not met, Developing, Proficient, Exemplary"

Description: Detailed explanation of the outcome

Using Outcomes in Activities¶

Edit an activity (assignment, quiz, etc.)
Scroll to Outcomes section
Check outcomes to assess in this activity
Save the activity

When grading, you'll: - Grade the activity normally - Also rate each selected outcome - Outcome grades are tracked separately

Outcome Reports¶

Access the Outcomes Report: 1. Navigate to Grades > View > Outcomes report 2. View student achievement for each outcome 3. See which activities assessed each outcome

Outcomes Report View:

+------------------+-------------------+-------------------+
| Student          | Scientific Method | Data Analysis     |
+------------------+-------------------+-------------------+
| Adams, John      | Proficient        | Developing        |
| Baker, Sarah     | Exemplary         | Proficient        |
| Clark, Michael   | Proficient        | Proficient        |
+------------------+-------------------+-------------------+

Competencies¶

Competencies are a more structured approach to outcomes:

Competency Frameworks¶

Organization-wide competency sets
Hierarchical structure
Linked to courses and activities

Competency Features¶

Learning plans for students
Evidence collection
Competency ratings
Progress tracking

Configuring Competencies¶

Define competency framework (admin)
Link competencies to course
Associate with activities
Rate student competency
Review competency reports

Competency Grading¶

When grading activities with competencies: 1. Grade the activity 2. Rate competency level 3. Optionally add evidence 4. Track progress in competency reports

Advanced Grading Methods¶

Introduction to Advanced Grading¶

PulseLMS supports advanced grading methods that provide: - Structured assessment criteria - Consistent grading across raters - Detailed feedback for students - Transparent evaluation

Available Advanced Grading Methods¶

Simple Direct Grading: Traditional point-based grading
Rubrics: Matrix of criteria and levels
Marking Guides: Criteria with free-form feedback

Enabling Advanced Grading¶

For activities that support it:

Create or edit the activity
In Grade section, find Grading method
Select: Simple direct grading, Rubric, or Marking guide
Save the activity
Click Define rubric or Define marking guide

Simple Direct Grading¶

The default method: - Enter a single grade - Optional feedback - Quick and straightforward

Best for: - Simple assignments - Multiple choice tests - Pass/fail assessments

Rubrics¶

Understanding Rubrics¶

A rubric is a grading matrix that: - Lists specific criteria - Defines performance levels for each criterion - Assigns point values to each level - Provides consistent, transparent grading

Rubric Structure¶

+------------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+
| Criterion        | Level 1     | Level 2     | Level 3     | Level 4     |
|                  | (0-5 pts)   | (6-10 pts)  | (11-15 pts) | (16-20 pts) |
+------------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+
| Content Quality  | Poor or     | Basic       | Good        | Excellent   |
|                  | missing     | coverage    | coverage    | coverage    |
+------------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+
| Organization     | No clear    | Some        | Clear       | Exceptional |
|                  | structure   | organization| structure   | structure   |
+------------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+
| Writing Quality  | Many errors | Some errors | Few errors  | Error-free  |
+------------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+
| Sources          | No sources  | Weak        | Good        | Excellent   |
|                  |             | sources     | sources     | sources     |
+------------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+-------------+

Creating a Rubric¶

Edit the assignment
Set Grading method to "Rubric"
Save settings
Click Define rubric

Step 1: Add Rubric Name and Description¶

Name: Clear identifier (e.g., "Essay Rubric")
Description: Overview for students

Step 2: Add Criteria¶

For each criterion: 1. Click Add criterion 2. Enter criterion name 3. Add description (optional)

Step 3: Define Levels¶

For each criterion, define levels: 1. Click in level cell 2. Enter level name 3. Enter point value 4. Enter level description 5. Add more levels as needed

Rubric Editor Interface¶

Criterion: Content Quality
+------------------+------------------+------------------+------------------+
| Level 1          | Level 2          | Level 3          | Level 4          |
| 0-5 points       | 6-10 points      | 11-15 points     | 16-20 points     |
+------------------+------------------+------------------+------------------+
| Content is       | Content covers   | Content covers   | Content covers   |
| missing or       | topic basically  | topic thoroughly | topic with       |
| irrelevant to    | with some gaps   | with good        | exceptional      |
| the topic.       | in coverage.     | depth.           | insight.         |
+------------------+------------------+------------------+------------------+

Rubric Options¶

Calculate Grade Options¶

Rubric total: Maximum points possible - Sum of highest level for each criterion

Mapping to grade: How rubric points convert to assignment grade

Minimum grade: Lowest possible grade from rubric

Display Options¶

Option	Description
Sort levels	Ascending or descending order
Show levels	During grading selection
Show descriptions	Level descriptions visible
Show points	Point values displayed
Enable remarks	Allow additional comments

Using Rubrics for Grading¶

Open the assignment grading page
Click on a student submission
Rubric appears in grading panel
Click the appropriate level for each criterion
Add remarks if needed
Submit grade

Grading Interface:

Student: John Adams
Assignment: Research Essay

[RUBRIC]
Content Quality: [Selected: Level 3 - 15 points]
  Remarks: Good coverage of main topics _______________

Organization: [Selected: Level 4 - 20 points]
  Remarks: Excellent structure throughout _____________

Writing Quality: [Selected: Level 3 - 15 points]
  Remarks: Minor grammatical issues ___________________

Sources: [Selected: Level 2 - 10 points]
  Remarks: Need more scholarly sources ________________

RUBRIC TOTAL: 60/80 points
GRADE: 75/100

Previewing Rubrics¶

Students can preview rubrics before submission: 1. Open the assignment 2. Click View rubric 3. See all criteria and levels 4. Understand expectations

Rubric Templates¶

Save rubrics as templates for reuse: 1. Create rubric in one activity 2. Click Save rubric as template 3. In new activity, Create from template 4. Select saved template 5. Modify if needed

Rubrics can be shared: - Within a course (duplicate activities) - Across courses (export/import) - Site-wide (templates)

Rubric Best Practices¶

Use clear language: Describe each level specifically
Consistent progression: Logical point increases
Appropriate criteria count: 3-7 criteria typical
Balanced weighting: Consider criterion importance
Student preview: Share rubric before due date
Test grading: Grade sample work to verify rubric

Weighted Criteria in Rubrics¶

Weight criteria differently:

Assign different point ranges per criterion
Higher points = higher weight

Example weighted rubric:

Content (0-40 points) - 50% weight
Organization (0-20 points) - 25% weight
Writing (0-20 points) - 25% weight
Total: 80 points

Marking Guides¶

Understanding Marking Guides¶

Marking guides provide: - Flexible criteria-based grading - Free-form feedback per criterion - Maximum points per criterion - More flexibility than rubrics

Marking Guide vs. Rubric¶

Feature	Rubric	Marking Guide
Predefined levels	Yes	No
Point flexibility	Fixed levels	Any value
Feedback style	Remarks	Free-form
Consistency	Higher	Moderate
Speed	Faster	More detailed

Creating a Marking Guide¶

Edit the assignment
Set Grading method to "Marking guide"
Save settings
Click Define marking guide

Marking Guide Editor¶

Add Criteria: 1. Click Add criterion 2. Enter short name 3. Enter description for students 4. Enter description for markers 5. Set maximum points

Example Criterion:

Short Name: Thesis Statement
Description for Students:
  Your essay should have a clear, arguable thesis statement
  in the introduction that previews your main argument.

Description for Markers:
  Look for a thesis in the first paragraph. Should be specific,
  arguable, and preview the essay's direction. Partial credit
  for weak or unclear thesis.

Maximum: 20 points

Frequently Used Comments¶

Add pre-written feedback: 1. In marking guide setup 2. Add Frequently used comments 3. Comments available during grading 4. Click to insert into feedback

Example comments:

- "Excellent thesis - clear and arguable"
- "Thesis is too vague - needs more specificity"
- "Missing thesis statement"
- "Consider revising thesis to include counterargument"

Using Marking Guides¶

Open assignment grading
Select student submission
For each criterion:
Enter points (up to maximum)
Enter feedback comments
Use frequently used comments
Submit grade

Grading Interface:

Student: Sarah Baker
Assignment: Argumentative Essay

Thesis Statement (Max: 20 pts)
Points: [18] / 20
Feedback: [Excellent thesis - clear and arguable. Consider
          adding more specificity about your scope.]

Evidence Quality (Max: 30 pts)
Points: [25] / 30
Feedback: [Good use of sources. Include more recent studies
          to strengthen your argument.]

Organization (Max: 25 pts)
Points: [20] / 25
Feedback: [Clear structure overall. Transitions between
          paragraphs could be smoother.]

Conclusion (Max: 25 pts)
Points: [22] / 25
Feedback: [Strong conclusion that synthesizes main points.
          Consider adding implications for future research.]

TOTAL: 85/100

Marking Guide Best Practices¶

Clear descriptions: Help markers grade consistently
Appropriate maximums: Weight criteria by importance
Useful comments: Build library of common feedback
Student transparency: Share criteria before due date
Calibration: Train multiple graders with samples

Grading Forms¶

Understanding Grading Forms¶

Grading forms in PulseLMS allow you to: - Create custom grading interfaces - Collect structured feedback - Rate multiple dimensions - Generate comprehensive assessments

Types of Grading Forms¶

Assignment-specific forms: Built into assignment settings
Workshop forms: Peer assessment criteria
Custom forms: Created via form builder

Workshop Grading Forms¶

For peer assessment in Workshop activities:

Accumulative Grading¶

Multiple assessment elements
Each with points and feedback
Points accumulate for total

Comments¶

Descriptive feedback only
No point values
Holistic assessment

Number of Errors¶

List of assertions
Count errors/issues
Grade based on error count

Rubric¶

Standard rubric format
Levels for each criterion
Point-based grading

Creating Workshop Assessment Forms¶

Create Workshop activity
Set grading strategy
Click Edit assessment form
Add elements based on strategy
Configure weights and descriptions

Custom Grading Criteria¶

For each element, define: - Description: What to assess - Maximum grade: Points available - Weight: Relative importance - Scale: Point scale or custom scale

Assignment Grading Workflow¶

Understanding Grading Workflow¶

The assignment grading workflow provides: - Multi-stage grading process - Role-based permissions - Status tracking - Quality control

Workflow Stages¶

Submission → Not Graded → Grading → Graded → Released

Stage Descriptions¶

Stage	Description
Not Graded	Awaiting initial grading
Grading	Currently being graded
Graded	Grading complete, not released
Released	Grade visible to student

Enabling Grading Workflow¶

Edit assignment settings
Expand Grade section
Enable Use grading workflow
Optionally enable Graders see all submissions
Save settings

Using Grading Workflow¶

Step 1: Access Submissions¶

Open the assignment
Click View all submissions
See current workflow status for each

Step 2: Grade Submissions¶

Click to grade a submission
Enter grade and feedback
Set workflow state (e.g., "Grading")
Save changes

Step 3: Review Grades¶

After grading, set state to "Graded"
Review all grades for consistency
Make adjustments if needed

Step 4: Release Grades¶

Set workflow state to "Released"
Students can now see grades
Notifications sent if enabled

Bulk Workflow Updates¶

Update multiple submissions at once: 1. Select submissions using checkboxes 2. Choose Set workflow state from dropdown 3. Select new state 4. Click Go

Workflow and Allocated Markers¶

Combine with marking allocation: 1. Enable Marking allocation in settings 2. Assign markers to students 3. Markers only see their assignments 4. Workflow tracks each marker's progress

Workflow Best Practices¶

Use consistent workflow: Apply same process to all
Communicate timeline: Tell students when to expect grades
Batch releases: Release all grades together for fairness
Track progress: Monitor workflow states
Quality check: Review before releasing

Blind grading hides student identities: - Graders see anonymous identifiers - Reduces unconscious bias - Ensures fair assessment - Particularly important for essays

Edit assignment settings
Expand Grade section
Enable Blind marking
Save settings

Student View¶

Submit normally
See own submission
Receive grade and feedback

Grader View¶

See "Participant 1", "Participant 2", etc.
No access to names or profiles
Grade based on content only

Grading Interface with Blind Marking:

+------------------+------------+--------+--------+
| Participant      | Submitted  | Status | Grade  |
+------------------+------------+--------+--------+
| Participant 1    | Yes        | Graded | 85     |
| Participant 2    | Yes        | New    | --     |
| Participant 3    | Yes        | Graded | 92     |
| Participant 4    | No         | --     | --     |
+------------------+------------+--------+--------+

Revealing Identities¶

After all grading is complete: 1. Access the assignment 2. Click Reveal student identities 3. Confirm the action 4. Identities now visible 5. Cannot be reversed

Combine blind grading with workflow: 1. Enable both options 2. Grade all submissions blindly 3. Review grades 4. Reveal identities 5. Release grades

Enable early: Set before first submission
No identifying info: Instruct students not to include names
Complete all grading: Before revealing identities
Use with workflow: For controlled release
Document process: For academic integrity

Offline Grading Worksheet¶

Understanding Offline Grading¶

The offline grading worksheet allows: - Download submissions and grades - Grade without internet connection - Upload grades back to PulseLMS - Useful for large classes

Downloading the Worksheet¶

Open the assignment
Click View all submissions
Select Download grading worksheet
Open in spreadsheet application

Worksheet Format¶

The CSV contains:

Identifier,Full name,Email,Status,Grade,Feedback comments
participant1,Hidden,Hidden,Submitted,-,
participant2,Hidden,Hidden,Submitted,-,
participant3,Hidden,Hidden,Submitted,-,

(With blind marking, names are hidden)

Grading Offline¶

Open worksheet in Excel/Sheets
Enter grades in Grade column
Enter feedback in Feedback comments column
Save as CSV

Uploading Grades¶

Return to assignment
Click View all submissions
Select Upload grading worksheet
Choose your edited CSV
Confirm import

Offline Grading Best Practices¶

Download fresh copy: Ensure latest data
Keep format intact: Don't modify column structure
Match identifiers: Don't change identifier column
Backup original: Keep copy before editing
Verify upload: Check grades after import

Feedback Types¶

Overview of Feedback Options¶

PulseLMS supports multiple feedback methods: - Text feedback (comments) - File feedback (annotated files, audio) - Inline annotations (PDF) - Rubric/marking guide feedback - Overall grade feedback

Feedback Comments¶

Simple text feedback: 1. Open grading interface 2. Enter text in feedback box 3. Use formatting tools 4. Save with grade

Features: - Rich text editor - HTML formatting - Inserted images - Links to resources

Feedback Files¶

Upload files as feedback: 1. In grading interface, find Feedback files 2. Upload or drag files 3. Supported formats: PDF, DOC, audio, video 4. Save with submission

Use cases: - Annotated PDF - Audio feedback - Video explanation - Corrected document

Audio/Video Feedback¶

Record feedback directly: 1. Enable audio/video feedback in settings 2. In grading interface, click record 3. Record your feedback 4. Save recording 5. Student receives media file

Inline Comments¶

For essay-type submissions: 1. Enable Annotate PDF in settings 2. View PDF submission inline 3. Add comments directly on document 4. Highlight, draw, add notes 5. Save annotations

Configuring Feedback Types¶

In assignment settings, configure available feedback:

Feedback Types Section¶

Feedback comments: Enable text feedback
Annotate PDF: Enable inline PDF annotation
Offline grading worksheet: Enable worksheet download
Feedback files: Enable file uploads
Audio feedback: Enable audio recording
Video feedback: Enable video recording

Feedback Best Practices¶

Be specific: Reference particular parts of work
Be constructive: Focus on improvement
Be timely: Provide feedback promptly
Be consistent: Use similar feedback styles
Be clear: Avoid jargon and ambiguity

Annotating PDFs¶

PDF Annotation Overview¶

Annotate student PDF submissions directly: - Highlight text - Add comments - Draw on documents - Insert stamps and symbols

Enabling PDF Annotation¶

Edit assignment settings
In Submission types, enable File submissions
In Feedback types, enable Annotate PDF
Save settings

Using the PDF Annotator¶

Open student submission
PDF displays in annotation viewer
Use toolbar for annotation tools
Add annotations
Save changes

Annotation Tools¶

Highlight Tool¶

Select text to highlight
Choose color
Yellow, green, blue, pink available

Comment Tool¶

Click to add comment bubble
Type your comment
Resize and position

Pen Tool¶

Freehand drawing
Circle items, underline
Choose color and thickness

Rectangle Tool¶

Draw boxes around content
Highlight sections
Various colors available

Stamp Tool¶

Pre-made stamps
Checkmark, X, question mark
Custom stamps possible

Line Tool¶

Draw straight lines
Arrows for pointing
Connect annotations

Managing Annotations¶

Edit Annotations¶

Click on annotation to select
Modify text or position
Delete unwanted annotations

View All Comments¶

Open comments panel
See all annotations listed
Click to jump to location

Save Annotations¶

Annotations auto-save
Or click Save changes
Student sees annotated PDF

Student View of Annotations¶

When students view feedback: 1. See annotated PDF 2. All highlights visible 3. Comments in margins 4. Can download annotated version

PDF Annotation Best Practices¶

Be selective: Don't over-annotate
Use colors consistently: Same color for same issue type
Keep comments concise: Brief but clear
Reference rubric: Connect to grading criteria
Provide summary: Include overall feedback comments

Quick Grading¶

Understanding Quick Grading¶

Quick grading provides fast grade entry: - Multiple submissions on one page - Quick grade input fields - Minimal navigation - Efficient for large classes

Enabling Quick Grading¶

In Assignments¶

Open assignment
Click View all submissions
Access Grading action dropdown
Select Quick grading
Grade fields appear in table

In Gradebook¶

Open Grader Report
Click Turn editing on
Preferences > Enable Quick grading
All cells become editable

Quick Grading Interface¶

Assignment Quick Grading:

+------------------+------------+-------------+-----------------+
| Student          | Submission | Grade       | Quick Feedback  |
+------------------+------------+-------------+-----------------+
| Adams, John      | View       | [85   ]/100 | [Good work    ] |
| Baker, Sarah     | View       | [92   ]/100 | [Excellent    ] |
| Clark, Michael   | View       | [78   ]/100 | [See comments ] |
+------------------+------------+-------------+-----------------+
[ Save all quick grading changes ]

Quick Grading Features¶

Rapid Entry¶

Tab between fields
Enter grade, tab to feedback
Move to next student
Save all at once

Filtering¶

Show only ungraded
Filter by group
Sort by name or submission date

Status Updates¶

Update grading workflow
Change marking status
Bulk operations

Quick Grading Limitations¶

Limited feedback options
No rubric/marking guide
No file annotation
No audio/video feedback
Best for simple grading

When to Use Quick Grading¶

Good for: - Participation grades - Completion grades - Simple numeric scores - Many similar submissions

Not ideal for: - Complex essays - Detailed feedback needed - Rubric-based grading - First-time grading

Grade Overrides¶

Understanding Grade Overrides¶

Grade overrides allow instructors to: - Manually set any grade - Override calculated grades - Bypass activity grades - Handle special circumstances

Types of Overrides¶

Activity Grade Override¶

Override the grade from an activity: 1. Grade is set in gradebook, not activity 2. Activity grade is ignored 3. Override persists until removed

Category Override¶

Override a category total: 1. Manually set category grade 2. Ignores item calculations 3. Affects course total

Course Total Override¶

Override the final course grade: 1. Set exact course grade 2. Ignores all calculations 3. Complete manual control

Creating Overrides¶

Method 1: Grader Report¶

Turn editing on
Click in the grade cell
Enter override value
Save changes
Cell shows orange background

Method 2: Single View¶

Open Single View
Check Override checkbox
Enter grade value
Save changes

Method 3: User Report¶

Open student's User Report
Edit grade item
Check Overridden
Enter value
Save

Identifying Overrides¶

Overridden grades have visual indicators: - Orange/yellow background color - Override icon (if shown) - Listed in grade history

Removing Overrides¶

To remove an override: 1. Edit the grade 2. Uncheck Override or clear the value 3. Save changes 4. Grade reverts to calculated/activity value

Override Use Cases¶

Incomplete Grades¶

Student needs more time: 1. Override course total to "I" or hold value 2. Update when work is complete

Grade Corrections¶

Error in calculation: 1. Override with correct value 2. Document the change 3. Contact student if needed

Special Circumstances¶

Accommodation or appeal: 1. Override affected grades 2. Note reason in grade history 3. Follow institutional policy

Extra Credit¶

Manual bonus points: 1. Create extra credit item 2. Or override category/course total 3. Add bonus to calculated value

Override Best Practices¶

Document reasons: Keep records of why
Use sparingly: Prefer system calculations
Verify impact: Check effect on totals
Notify students: Explain significant changes
Review regularly: Audit overrides periodically

Override Permissions¶

Control who can override: - Teachers: Full override capability - Non-editing teachers: May be limited - Custom roles: Configure in permissions

Best Practices¶

Gradebook Setup Best Practices¶

Plan Before Building
Map out category structure
Determine weights before semester
Align with syllabus
Use Consistent Naming
Clear, descriptive names
Include due dates or unit numbers
Avoid abbreviations
Configure Settings Early
Set aggregation methods
Configure display options
Enable needed features
Test Calculations
Use test students
Verify calculations match expectations
Check edge cases (missing grades, extra credit)

Grading Best Practices¶

Grade Promptly
Set realistic turnaround times
Use quick grading when appropriate
Communicate delays to students
Provide Meaningful Feedback
Be specific and constructive
Reference rubric criteria
Suggest improvements
Maintain Consistency
Use rubrics/marking guides
Calibrate with co-instructors
Grade similar items together
Protect Grade Integrity
Use blind grading when appropriate
Lock grades when finalized
Document changes

Communication Best Practices¶

Share Grading Criteria
Publish rubrics before assignments
Explain grade calculations
Review expectations in class
Address Concerns Promptly
Have clear grade appeal process
Respond to questions quickly
Document all communications
Provide Progress Updates
Regular grade check-ins
Early warning for struggling students
Celebrate successes

Technical Best Practices¶

Regular Backups
Export grades periodically
Keep offline copies
Verify backup integrity
Security Practices
Limit grade access appropriately
Use role-based permissions
Audit access logs
Data Management
Clean up unused items
Archive old courses
Maintain organized structure

Troubleshooting¶

Common Gradebook Issues¶

Issue: Grades Not Calculating Correctly¶

Symptoms: - Category totals don't match expectations - Course total is wrong - Some grades not included

Solutions: 1. Check aggregation method 2. Verify item weights 3. Look for hidden items 4. Check for empty grades 5. Verify calculation formula

Issue: Students Can't See Grades¶

Symptoms: - Grades visible to instructor - Students report no grades - User report is empty

Solutions: 1. Check item visibility (not hidden) 2. Verify grade display settings 3. Check course grade settings 4. Confirm grading workflow status 5. Review role permissions

Issue: Import Failing¶

Symptoms: - CSV import errors - Records not matching - Grades not updating

Solutions: 1. Check file encoding (use UTF-8) 2. Verify column mapping 3. Match student identifiers exactly 4. Check for special characters 5. Preview before confirming

Issue: Rubric Not Saving¶

Symptoms: - Rubric disappears after save - Changes not persisting - Error messages

Solutions: 1. Ensure all required fields complete 2. Check browser compatibility 3. Clear browser cache 4. Try different browser 5. Check server error logs

Issue: Override Not Working¶

Symptoms: - Override value reverted - Activity grade replacing override - Override checkbox not sticking

Solutions: 1. Verify you have override permission 2. Check if item is locked 3. Ensure grade is within valid range 4. Clear and re-enter override 5. Check for conflicting settings

Error Messages¶

"Cannot change this grade"¶

Item may be locked
Insufficient permissions
Category calculation in progress

"Grade value out of range"¶

Value exceeds maximum
Value below minimum
Check grade settings

"Circular reference detected"¶

Calculation references itself
Check formula for loops
Remove self-references

"User not found in course"¶

Student may be suspended
Enrollment issue
Check enrollment status

Performance Issues¶

Slow Gradebook Loading¶

Solutions: 1. Reduce students per page 2. Collapse categories 3. Disable unnecessary columns 4. Clear browser cache 5. Check server resources

Timeout During Export¶

Solutions: 1. Export in smaller batches 2. Select fewer columns 3. Try during off-peak hours 4. Increase timeout settings (admin)

Getting Help¶

If issues persist: 1. Check system documentation 2. Contact system administrator 3. Review error logs 4. Document steps to reproduce 5. Provide specific examples

Appendix A: Gradebook Keyboard Shortcuts¶

Shortcut	Action
Tab	Next cell
Shift+Tab	Previous cell
Enter	Save and move down
Escape	Cancel edit
Ctrl+S	Save all changes
Home	First cell in row
End	Last cell in row

Appendix B: Grade Aggregation Reference¶

Mean of Grades¶

Category Total = (G1 + G2 + ... + Gn) / n

Weighted Mean¶

Category Total = (G1×W1 + G2×W2 + ... + Gn×Wn) / (W1 + W2 + ... + Wn)

Natural (Sum of Grades)¶

Category Total = (G1 + G2 + ... + Gn) / (M1 + M2 + ... + Mn) × Category_Max

Where M = Maximum grade for each item

Median¶

Sort all grades, take middle value
For even n: average of two middle values

Appendix C: Formula Function Reference¶

Function	Syntax	Description
average	=average(a,b,c)	Mean of values
max	=max(a,b,c)	Maximum value
min	=min(a,b,c)	Minimum value
sum	=sum(a,b,c)	Sum of values
median	=median(a,b,c)	Middle value
round	=round(a,n)	Round to n decimals
abs	=abs(a)	Absolute value
sqrt	=sqrt(a)	Square root
power	=power(a,n)	a raised to power n
if	=if(cond,t,f)	Conditional

Appendix D: Permission Reference¶

Capability	Description
moodle/grade:view	View grades
moodle/grade:viewall	View all user grades
moodle/grade:edit	Edit grades
moodle/grade:manage	Manage grade items and categories
moodle/grade:override	Override grades
moodle/grade:viewhidden	View hidden grades
moodle/grade:hide	Hide grades
moodle/grade:lock	Lock grades
moodle/grade:unlock	Unlock grades
moodle/grade:export	Export grades
moodle/grade:import	Import grades

Appendix E: Scale Value Conversion¶

When using scales in calculations:

Scale Position	Numeric Value
First (lowest)	1
Second	2
Third	3
...	...
Last (highest)	n

Example: "Fail, Pass, Credit, Distinction" - Fail = 1 - Pass = 2 - Credit = 3 - Distinction = 4

Document Revision History¶

Version	Date	Changes
4.5	January 2026	Initial comprehensive documentation
4.4	September 2025	Added competency grading section
4.3	June 2025	Updated rubric features
4.2	March 2025	Added audio/video feedback
4.1	December 2024	Enhanced calculation examples
4.0	September 2024	Major interface updates

Support and Resources¶

For additional help: - Access built-in help via the ? icons throughout the interface - Contact your institution's PulseLMS administrator - Visit the PulseLMS support portal - Consult the PulseLMS knowledge base

This documentation is part of the PulseLMS Complete Administrator and Instructor Guide series.

Document ID: PULSE-GRADE-024 Classification: Internal Use Copyright: PulseLMS Documentation Team

PulseLMS Grading and Assessment Documentation¶

Complete Guide to Gradebook, Rubrics, Marking Guides, and Assessment Tools¶

Table of Contents¶

Introduction to Grading in PulseLMS¶

Overview of the Grading System¶

Key Features¶

User Roles and Permissions¶

Accessing the Gradebook¶

Gradebook Overview and Navigation¶

The Gradebook Interface¶

Main Navigation Tabs¶

Gradebook Setup Screen¶

Understanding Grade Item Types¶

Activity Grade Items¶

Manual Grade Items¶

Calculated Grade Items¶

Navigation Tips¶

Quick Navigation¶

Keyboard Shortcuts¶

Customizing the Display¶

Show/Hide Columns¶

Collapsing Categories¶

Row Highlighting¶

Course Grade Settings¶

General Settings¶

Grade Category Settings¶

User Report Settings¶

Grader Report¶

Understanding the Grader Report¶

Grader Report Layout¶

Viewing Grades¶

Sorting Options¶

Filtering Students¶

Display Options¶

Editing Grades¶

Turn Editing On¶

Entering Grades¶

Quick Grading Mode¶

Overriding Grades¶

Grade Cell Indicators¶

Editing Grade Items¶

Category Operations¶

Bulk Operations¶

Exporting the Grader Report¶

Grade Categories and Items¶

Understanding Grade Categories¶

Creating a Grade Category¶

Category Settings¶

Aggregation Methods¶

Mean of Grades¶

Weighted Mean of Grades¶

Simple Weighted Mean¶

Mean of Grades (with Extra Credits)¶

Median of Grades¶

Lowest Grade¶

Highest Grade¶

Mode of Grades¶

Natural¶

Configuring Aggregation¶

Drop Lowest/Highest¶

Extra Credit Items¶

Weight Adjustments¶

Creating Grade Items¶

Manual Grade Items¶

Activity Grade Items¶

Organizing Grade Items¶

Moving Items Between Categories¶

Reordering Items¶

Category Hierarchy¶

Grade Item Settings¶

Visibility Settings¶

Grade Calculation Settings¶

Display Settings¶

Grade Calculations and Formulas¶

Introduction to Grade Calculations¶

Creating a Calculated Grade Item¶

Formula Syntax¶

Basic Structure¶

Referencing Grade Items¶

ID Numbers and Item References¶