How Many Total Points Should Your Course Have?

Abstract

Background Instructors often use a point-based system for grading students (e.g., 100 or 1000 total points). This system can impact student outcomes. Objective The purpose of this research was to examine the implications of different point value courses for student emotions, perceptions of courses, and classroom performance. Method The lab-based study used an experimental design to gather student responses to a hypothetical course with one of three potential total point values (100, 1,000, or 100,000 points). The classroom-based study examined student responses to different point values in 12 actual courses in which students were enrolled (with either 100 or 1000 total points). Results In the lab-based study, courses with greater total point values (i.e., 1000 and 100,000) had greater emotional impact than a course with 100 total points. Participants in these conditions also preferred a course that featured a pass/fail scheme. In the classroom-based study, students in the 100-point condition (vs. 1000-point condition) missed more assignments, and as a consequence, performed more poorly in their course. Conclusion Higher total point values in courses may have a more significant impact on students’ emotions, and as a consequence, they may miss less work, and perform better in the course overall.