Moodle Gradebook allows you to mark individual assignments as extra credit, as well as create a grading category in which all grading items are worth extra credit. This tech doc shows how to set up each of these options.
Before you start, you may need:
- an Instructor of record or Other editing teacher role in a Bryn Mawr Moodle course
Mark a grade item as extra credit
The easiest way to do this is to modify the grade item directly by marking the extra credit checkbox. However, the way to do this varies depending on whether you want a) to create an extra credit assignment that students will complete as a Moodle activity or b) to create a new extra credit assignment directly in your gradebook without tying it to a Moodle activity.
a) If the extra credit grade item is tied to a Moodle activity
- On your Moodle course, click on the Edit Mode toggle (if it isn't already on).
- Create the activity on your Moodle course by selecting +Add an activity or resource in the area you would like your assignment to be displayed (Consult this tech doc to learn how to Create and manage assignments).
- Next, select Grades from the menu tab in your Moodle course page.
- On the next page, select Grader report > Setup > Gradebook setup from the tabs displayed.
- Search for the grade item for which you wish to give extra credit. Click on the Edit drop-down menu, then click Edit Settings.
- On the new page that appears, under Parent category, check the Extra Credit box
- Click Save changes.

b) If the extra credit grade item is not tied to a Moodle activity
- On your Moodle course, click on the Edit mode toggle (if it isn't already on).
- Next, select Grades.
- On the next page, select Grader report > Setup > Gradebook setup from the tabs displayed.
- Once you’re on the Gradebook setup page, click Add grade item.
- On the new page that appears, adjust all the settings for the grade item you want to create, including giving the item a name, maximum and minimum grade, etc.
- Under Parent category, check the Extra Credit box
- Select Save changes.
Create an extra credit category
It is also possible to create extra credit grade items within a category of their own. This option is useful if you have more than one extra credit item and wish to group them together. If you choose to create an extra credit category, your extra credit grade items will be in a category of their own. In this case, the category should be marked as extra credit but the individual grade items should not.
To create an extra credit category
- On your Moodle course, click on the Edit Mode toggle (if it isn't already on).
- Create the activity on your Moodle course by selecting +Add an activity or resource in the section you would like the activity and completing all the steps to save your new activity.
- Next, select Grades.
- On the next page, select Grader report > Setup > Gradebook setup from the tabs displayed.
- Once you’re on the Gradebook setup page, click Add Category.
- Give your new category the title “Extra Credit” (or another descriptive title) and select the settings for this new category.
- Click Save changes.
- On your Gradebook Setup page, find the new category and click Edit > Edit Settings. Be sure to select Edit Settings for the category item with the icon folder labeled 'Category' and NOT for the Extra Credit Total item.

- On the new page, under Parent Category, check the Extra Credit checkbox.
- Click Save changes.

- Finally, finish setting up your extra credit assignments by creating or modifying extra credit grade items following the steps above in (a) and (b) but DO NOT check the extra credit box for each individual grade item.
Videos & further reading on extra credit in Moodle
Questions?
If you have any additional questions or problems, don't hesitate to reach out to the Help Desk!
Phone: 610-526-7440 | Library and Help Desk hours
Email: help@brynmawr.edu | Service catalog
Location: Canaday Library 1st floor