How Can Use Weighted Grades in Canvas?

This article will guide you through how to set up weighted assignment groups in your Canvas Assignments page.

Summary

Weighted grading in Canvas allows instructors to assign different levels of importance to assignment groups, ensuring that grades accurately reflect the priorities of the course. By using weighted grades, faculty can align assessments with learning objectives and provide students with a transparent understanding of how their performance is evaluated. This article will guide you through how to set up weighted assignment groups in your Canvas Assignments page.

Content

Weighted grading in Canvas ensures fair, transparent evaluation by aligning assignment groups with course priorities. The following steps outline how to applying weighted grading in your Canvas course!

1. Navigate to Assignments
   1. In your Canvas course, click Assignments from the course navigation menu.
2. Create Assignment Groups
   1. Click + Group at the top-right corner of the Assignments page.
   2. Name each group according to your syllabus categories (e.g., Quizzes, Discussions, Exams).
   3. Repeat for all categories you plan to weight.
3. Enable Assignment Group Weighting
   1. Click the three-dot menu (kebab icon) in the Assignments page.
   2. Select Assignment Groups Weight.
   3. Check the box for Weight final grade based on assignment groups.
4. Assign Weights to Each Group
   1. Enter the percentage for each group (e.g., Quizzes 20%, Discussions 10%, Exams 40%, Projects 30%).
   2. Ensure the total equals 100% (Canvas will allow totals above or below 100%, so double-check).
5. Organize Assignments
   1. Drag and drop existing assignments into the correct groups or use the Move To option.
   2. When creating new assignments, select the appropriate group in the assignment settings.
6. Optional Configurations
   1. Drop Lowest Scores: Edit group settings to drop the lowest score(s) if desired.
   2. Extra Credit: Add extra credit assignments within an existing group that has points.
7. Verify in Gradebook
   1. Open Gradebook to confirm that weighted groups display correctly.
   2. Use Student View to test calculations and ensure transparency for students.

Additional Resources

• Vendor Support Page: How do I weight the final course grade based on assignment groups?
• Interactive Lesson: Canvas Assignment Weighted Groups
• Video: Crash Course - Canvas Grade Categories and Weighted Grading [5:58]

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.