How Do I Use a Rubric to Grade in Canvas?

Summary

Grade smarter, not harder by harnessing the power of rubrics in Canvas.

Environment

Canvas

Content

Rubrics are powerful tools that make grading more transparent, consistent, and efficient. In Canvas LMS, rubrics allow faculty to clearly communicate expectations, provide structured feedback, and streamline the grading process. Whether you teach large classes or small seminars, rubrics help ensure fairness and clarity for every student.

Why Use Rubrics in Canvas?

• Consistency: Rubrics standardize grading across assignments and sections, reducing subjectivity.
• Transparency: Students understand what is expected and how their work will be evaluated.
• Efficiency: Integrated with SpeedGrader, rubrics save time by allowing quick selection of performance levels.
• Feedback: Detailed, criterion-based feedback supports student learning and aligns with course objectives.

Best Practices for Effective Rubrics

• Be Clear and Specific: Use measurable language for each criterion.
• Limit Performance Levels: Three to five levels keep grading simple and consistent.
• Align with Objectives: Ensure rubric criteria reflect course learning outcomes.
• Share Early: Publish rubrics before assignments are due so students can self-assess.

Types of Rubrics in Canvas

• Points-Based Rubrics: Assign numeric values to each criterion for easy calculation.
• Non-Points Rubrics: Provide qualitative feedback without impacting the grade.
• Outcome-Linked Rubrics: Connect rubric criteria to institutional learning outcomes for reporting and accreditation.

How to Add a Rubric to an Assignment

Navigate to the assignment in Canvas.

1. Click Edit, then scroll to Add Rubric.
2. Choose:
   • Create New Rubric: Build from scratch by adding criteria and ratings.
   • Find Existing Rubric: Reuse rubrics from previous courses or institutional templates.
3. Configure points, descriptions, and performance levels.
4. Attach the rubric to assignments, discussions, or quizzes.

Grading with Rubrics in SpeedGrader

1. Open SpeedGrader from the assignment.
2. Select ratings for each criterion directly in the rubric panel.
3. Add comments for personalized feedback.
4. Save your selections—Canvas automatically calculates the grade based on rubric settings.

Troubleshooting and Tips

• Editing After Grading Starts: Rubrics can be edited, but changes may affect existing grades.
• Rubric Not Displaying: Check assignment settings and ensure the rubric is attached.
• Linking to Outcomes: Use outcome-linked rubrics for program-level assessment and reporting.

Additional Resources

• Video: Grading in Canvas with a Rubric [4:00]
• Video: Canvas Video - Rubrics Overview [4:39]
• Vendor Support Page: How do I add a rubric in a course?
• Interactive Lesson: Creating a Rubric in Canvas
• Interactive Lesson: Help! My Canvas Rubric is Acting Funny!

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.