Using Curve Grading

Curve Grading in MedicForge

MedicForge includes powerful grade curving tools to help normalize scores when an assignment is particularly difficult or to ensure fair grading.

Available Curve Methods

1. Bell Curve (Normal Distribution)

Adjusts all scores so the class average equals your target mean.

• Best for: Standardizing scores to a known average
• Example: If class average is 72% and you want 80%, all scores shift up by 8 points

2. Square Root Curve

Applies the formula: New Score = √(Raw Score / Max) × Max

• Best for: Difficult exams where most students scored low
• Effect: Helps lower scores more than higher scores
• Example: 64% becomes 80%, 81% becomes 90%

3. Linear Curve

Scales all scores so the highest score becomes 100%.

• Best for: When no one achieved a perfect score
• Example: If top score is 92%, multiply all scores by 1.087

4. Flat Bonus

Adds a fixed number of points to all scores.

• Best for: Simple adjustments for a single difficult question
• Example: Add 5 points to everyone's score

Applying a Curve

1. Go to Instructor > Grading
2. Select the assignment
3. Click Apply Curve
4. Choose your curve method
5. Preview the results:
   • See before/after comparison
   • View grade distribution chart
   • Check individual student impact
6. Click Apply to save the curved grades

Understanding the Preview

Before applying a curve, MedicForge shows you:

• Original Statistics: Mean, median, standard deviation
• Curved Statistics: New mean, median, standard deviation
• Distribution Chart: Visual comparison of grade distributions
• Sample Students: How specific scores will change

Curve Grading Best Practices

• Be consistent: Apply the same curve to all sections of a course
• Document your reasoning: Add notes explaining why a curve was applied
• Consider alternatives: Sometimes dropping a question is better than curving
• Communicate with students: Let them know when and why curves are applied

When NOT to Curve

• Competency-based assessments: Students must demonstrate actual competency
• NREMT practice exams: Scores should reflect actual preparedness
• Skill evaluations: Pass/fail should be based on performance

Viewing Curved vs. Raw Scores

MedicForge always preserves original scores. In the gradebook, you can toggle between:

• Raw Score: Original score before curving
• Curved Score: Adjusted score after curving
• Final Score: The score used for the gradebook (usually curved)

Exporting Grades

When exporting grades, you can choose to include raw scores, curved scores, or both. This is useful for maintaining records and transparency.