Resources Hub

Blackboard Original Help & Support

Creating a Custom Column in the Grade Centre

Assignments will not always require the submission of files or essays for example presentations, performances or experiments. By creating a custom column grades can be made available to students through the Grade Centre. This guide details how to create a custom column and enter grades and feedback.

Creating a Column

  1. In the site management panel click on Grade Centre and select Full Grade Centre.
Screenshot showing the full grade centre menu item in the left hand navigation bar in Blackboard.
  1. Click Create Column.
A screenshot of the Blackboard Grade Centre. It consists of a table, with students listed in the first column, and all submissions on the module presented in their own subsequent column. The cells contain grades or needs marking symbols, if they are blank no submission has beenmade yet.
  1. Enter a column name and description.
A screenshot of the Create Column page of Blackboard, text boxes are shown for column name, name in the grade centre, and description.
  1. Select a Primary Display. Score or Percentage is most common.
  2. Enter 100 for Points Possible regardless of the weighting.
A screenshot of the Create Column page of Blackboard, drop down boxes are shown for primary and secondary display and category. A points possible field is set to 100, and the Add Rubric menu is expanded.
  1. Ensure Include this Column in Grade Centre Calculations is site to Yes and decide whether to Show this Column to Students.
  2. Click Submit.
A screenshot of the Create Column page of Blackboard, three yes or no options are shown, include in grade centre calculations, show to students and show statistics to students.

Entering a Grade and Feedback

  1. In the site management panel click on Grade Centre and select Full Grade Centre.
Screenshot showing the full grade centre menu item in the left hand navigation bar in Blackboard.
  1. To enter a grade only click on the cell and type in the grade and press enter.
  2. To enter a grade and feedback click on the arrow menu on the cell.
  3. Select View Grade/Mark Details.
A screenshot of the Blackboard Grade Centre, an assignment column is shown with the chevron arrow menu expanded, the first option is View Mark Details.
  1. Enter feedback in the Feedback to Learner field.
  2. Attach a file by showing the full editing toolbar and clicking on the Add Content icon (+). Navigate to the file on your computer and select it.
  3. Click Submit.
A screenshot of the View Mark Details page in the Blackboard Grade Centre, a field is shown to enter a grade and two text boxes are shown, one is feedback to learner the other is marking notes.

Leaving Comments for Colleagues

  1. Once marking is complete, it may be helpful to leave notes for colleagues e.g. second markers. These notes are not visible to students.
  2. Enter your comment in the Grading/Marking Notes field.
  3. Click Submit.