Managing multiple course sections in Schoology LMS can be time-consuming, especially if you have to upload the same materials separately for each section. Fortunately, Schoology allows teachers to link course sections, making it easier to share content, assignments, and updates across multiple classes. Cherry on top is the fact that it keeps student records and grade books separate while linking courses.  

In this guide, you'll learn how to link course sections in Schoology, key requirements to ensure successful linking, and best practices to avoid losing important data. Let’s get started. 

Requirements For Linking Course Sections

Before linking course sections in Schoology, ensure that the individual sections meet the following criteria: 

  • Same Course: Only sections of the same course can be linked. For example, if you teach multiple sections of Algebra 1, you can link them. However, different courses like Algebra 1 and Geometry cannot be linked
  • Same Grading Period: All sections must be in the same grading period. If one section follows a semester-based schedule while another follows a quarter-based schedule, linking will not be possible
  • No Overlapping Students: A student cannot be enrolled in multiple sections that are being linked. If a student is found in more than one section, you must adjust their enrollment before proceeding
  • No Existing Grades: It’s recommended to link sections at the beginning of the school year or before any grades are recorded in Schoology. Linking after grading begins may result in lost data

Step-By-Step Guide To Linking Courses In Schoology

Once you've ensured your course sections meet the requirements, follow these steps to link them: 

Step 1: Access Your Courses 

  • Log in to your Schoology account 
  • Click on the ‘Courses’ tab at the top of the page 
  • Select ‘My Courses’ in the upper-right corner 

Step 2: Identify Sections That Can Be Linked 

  • You can only link sections of the same course (e.g., different sections of Chemistry 1 CP) 
  • Sections with different course titles (e.g., Chemistry Honors and Chemistry CP) cannot be linked 

Step 3: Choose A Master Section 

  • Select one section to be the ‘master section’, this is where you will post materials 
  • The linked sections will inherit content from this master section 

Step 4: Link The Sections 

  • Locate the course section you want to link 
  • Click the ‘gear icon’ next to the course name 
  • Select ‘Link Existing Section’ from the dropdown menu 
  • Choose the section(s) you want to link 
  • Confirm your selection 

Step 5: Verify The Linking 

  • Once linked, you should see multiple section numbers displayed in the course title 
  • Any materials posted in the master section will now automatically apply to all linked sections 

After linking, you’ll see a single course in your course list, but student records and grade books will remain separate 

Best Practices To Manage Linked Course Sections In Schoology

Once your course sections are linked, you can efficiently manage them while maintaining individual student records. Here’s what you need to know: 

  • Posting Content: When you add materials (assignments, quizzes, discussions, etc.), they are automatically shared across all linked sections. You can choose to assign content to specific sections by clicking 'Select Sections to Customize' while adding a folder, assignment, or update
  • Updating Students: If different sections are progressing at different speeds, you can post updates for a specific section instead of all linked ones. While posting an update, select which section(s) should receive it
  • Gradebook Management: Even though the sections are linked, each section retains a separate gradebook. Teachers can grade assignments per section and view student performance without mixing records
  • Unlinking Course Sections: If you unlink course sections during the school year, only the master section will retain materials, setup, grades, and data. Please note that student assignment submissions from the child sections will be lost and cannot be recovered
  • Best Time To Link Sections: It’s recommended to link sections at the beginning of a new grading period, such as the start of a semester or school year. Linking sections mid-semester may lead to complications in grade tracking

Linking course sections in Schoology is a valuable time-saving feature for teachers handling multiple sections of the same course. It allows you to share materials, assignments, and updates across all linked sections without duplicating efforts. By streamlining course management, this feature helps teachers focus more on instruction and student engagement rather than administrative tasks.