School Reading Record Database

[Ian Birkin]

I am trying to set up an Access database to record books
read by pupils in my class. I assumed that I needed
separate tables for pupils and books (with reading
levels / boxes / series), but am not sure how to continue.
Ideally I would like to be able to use Access to record
books that pupils have already read from our school supply
of books, (I tried creating a form for teachers to add in
any new books), including the pupil's start and end date
for reading a particular book, and then to show which book
(s) the pupils should progress to next.
To be honest I am struggling a bit here. It strikes me
that there may be others who have created similar and can
give me some advice, or even templates available.
Unfortunately I have found nothing yet.
Surely I am not the only teacher in the world who wants to
automate reading record admin for primary school pupils.
Can anyone help or advise? Please.
Regards,
Ian.

 

[John Vinson]

I am trying to set up an Access database to record books
read by pupils in my class. I assumed that I needed
separate tables for pupils and books (with reading
levels / boxes / series), but am not sure how to continue.

You're off to a good start. Each table should have a Primary Key
(StudentID, BookID perhaps - these might be autonumbers or if the
books have a unique library shelf number or ISBN you could use that).

What you need is a third table: BooksRead, linked to both these
tables. It would have fields StudentID and BookID for the link, and
the two fields would be the joint Primary Key of the table. The table
would also have fields for DateRead, comments, and any other
information you need about this student's reading of this book.

For data entry you would use a Form based on the Students table, with
a Subform based on BooksRead. This subform could have a combo box
selecting the book, storing the unique BookID but displaying the title
and any other info you need to select the book.

 

[John Vinson]

Thank you very much for your help. The database is
starting to take shape now. Your advice was really useful
and much appreciated.
Everything went well except setting up the combo box in
the subform. It could be seen in design view, but not in
form view or as part of the main form. I'm probably giving
away my inexperience here, but any tips on that would also
be appreciated.
Thanks again for your help on getting me going.
Best wishes,
Ian

You'll have to post some more details. Where is the Combo box control?
I would suggest putting it on a Continuous Subform bound to the
BooksRead table.

 

[John Vinson]

but it shows in design view yet not
in datasheet view

Then don't use datasheet view. Use Continuous Form view instead.

 

[Ian Birkin]

Thank you so much. All seems to be working well now. It
never occurred to me that different views would show
different items (as opposed to different views of the same
item, if you see what I mean.)
I'm still working on improving functionality and
appearance, but am delighted that you've helped me solve
the thread of this string.
Thanks again and very best wishes,
Ian.