Hi Ruth: Designing a grading system becomes a bit easier if we rely on well written course objectives and student learning outcomes (SLO's). Once we know what is to be taught, then the instructional component is the primary focus. Grading systems shouldmeasure student learning, and that learning should have come mostly from the SLO's and objectives. The way to measure are numerous. And we want balance so that students who may have different leraning styles to be able to demonstrate their abilities as well. Variety in selecting component grading usually provides a good way to balane grading, so that there is not too much weigh on a single component. Overall we want to be assured the student gained the knowledge - not mastered some process we've conjured up. Regards, Barry