Summary
Simplify grading in Canvas: clear steps, smart tools, and best practices for faculty success. This article provides faculty with essential guidance on grading in Canvas LMS, including how to navigate the Gradebook, enter and curve grades, set default grades, and access SpeedGrader for streamlined evaluation.
Environment
Canvas
Content
Grading in Canvas LMS is designed to be flexible and efficient, supporting a variety of assessment methods. This guide walks faculty through the essential tools and best practices for managing grades, ensuring consistency, and leveraging Canvas features to streamline evaluation.
Step 1 - Accessing the Gradebook
The Gradebook is your central hub for viewing and managing student grades.
- Navigate to Gradebook: From your course navigation menu, select Grades.
- View Options: Switch between Individual View and Gradebook View for different perspectives.
- Sorting and Filtering: Use filters to view specific sections, assignment groups, or student subsets.
Step 2 - Entering and Adjusting Grades
- Manual Entry: Click on a cell in the Gradebook to enter or edit a score.
- Curve Grades: Use the Curve Grades option for assignments to normalize scores.
- Set Default Grades: Apply a default grade for all students who haven’t submitted work.
Step 3 - SpeedGrader for Streamlined Evaluation
SpeedGrader allows quick grading of assignments and discussions.
- Access SpeedGrader: From the assignment page, click SpeedGrader.
- Features: Annotate submissions, provide inline comments, and record audio/video feedback.
- Navigation: Move between student submissions easily using the sidebar.
Step 4 - Using Rubrics
Rubrics help maintain grading consistency and transparency.
- Attach Rubrics: Add rubrics to assignments or discussions during setup.
- Grade with Rubrics: Click rubric criteria in SpeedGrader to auto-calculate scores.
- Edit Rubrics: Modify rubrics to align with course objectives.
Step 5 - Weighted Grade Categories
Organize assignments into groups and apply weights for final grade calculation.
- Create Assignment Groups: Navigate to Assignments and add groups.
- Apply Weights: Enable weighted grading in Course Settings and assign percentages to groups.
Step 6 - Originality Reports
For academic integrity, Canvas integrates with Turnitin.
- Enable Turnitin: Activate during assignment setup.
- Review Reports: Access originality scores in SpeedGrader and provide feedback accordingly.
Step 7 - Best Practices
- Communicate Expectations: Share grading policies and rubrics with students early.
- Regular Updates: Keep grades current to avoid confusion.
- Use Analytics: Monitor student performance trends via Gradebook analytics.
Additional Resources
Need Additional Help?
On behalf of OIT’s Instructional Design and Technology (IDT) team, we hope this tutorial is useful. If you encounter any difficulties or have questions related to this procedure, please contact our colleagues in OIT’s Support Center to have a help ticket created and assigned to the IDT team. You may contact the Support Center via email (supportcenter@uhcl.edu) or by telephone (281.283.2828). Once we receive your inquiry, a member of the IDT team will contact you as quickly as resources permit.