A Note on the Effective Use of PC-Based Spreadsheets for Course Grading

This correspondence describes the utility and basic mechanics of using a personal computer (PC) and a spreadsheet for record keeping and course grading. This approach allows quick, efficient, and accurate preparation of grades. The ability to quickly calculate and plot indicators of individual student, as well as class performance, consider ``what if´´ grading situations, and handle nonnumeric grades is described. The templates provided may serve as a starting point for more complex, instructor-customized grade spreadsheets.