In Canvas, many find it useful to release feedback to students before revealing their final grades. This approach can help guide learning, encourage reflection, and reduce grade-related anxiety. There are several ways to release a students feedback before marks. This includes using the Manual Grade Posting Policy, providing feedback without entering a grade in SpeedGrader, or adjusting institutional grade posting delays. Below are step-by-step instructions on how to implement each method, ensuring full control over when students see their feedback and marks.

Canvas template will be set to manual posting; for further information on this please refer to How do I use posting policies in a course?

1. While in canvas, open the Gradebook, select ‘Grades’ from the left-hand menu.
2. Change the Grade Posting Policy

• Find the assignment where you want to release feedback first.
• Click the three-dot menu (⋮) at the top of the column.
• Select Grade Posting Policy.
• Choose “Manual” and click Save.

3. While in canvas, open the Gradebook, select ‘Grades’ from the left-hand menu.

• Open the assignment in SpeedGrader.
• Leave comments or annotations on student work.
• Do NOT enter a numerical grade yet, or if you do, ensure the posting remains manual.

4. Students will see their feedback but not their grades – since the grades are hidden, students can access comments but won’t see their marks.

5. When you want to release grades, return to the Gradebook.

• When you want to release grades, return to the Gradebook.
• Click the three-dot menu (⋮) on the assignment column.
• Select Post Grades, then choose “Everyone” or specific students.

1. Open the assignment in SpeedGrader.

2. Provide written or audio feedback

• Add comments in the comment box.
• Use annotated feedback on the student’s submission if applicable.

3. Do NOT Enter a Score:

• If you don’t enter a numerical grade, Canvas won’t notify students of a grade update.
• They can still see your feedback under “Submission Details.”
• Once you’re ready, enter grades in SpeedGrader or the Gradebook.

1. Click on Grades in the course navigation menu and check the Grade Posting Policy.

• In the Gradebook, find the assignment you want to manage.
• Click the three-dot menu (⋮) in the assignment column header.
• Select “Grade Posting Policy.”

2. Choose the Appropriate Setting:

• Automatic – grades and feedback are immediately visible to students.
• Manual – grades remain hidden until you choose to post them.

3. Adjust Timing if Needed:

• There may be an automatic delay set up, (e.g., grades are hidden for a set number of days), you may see a message indicating this. This can be overridden by selecting Manual Posting.

4. When you want to release grades, go to Grades > Three-Dot Menu (⋮) > Post Grades and choose when to make them visible.

Further information about Grades in Canvas are available

Grades in Canvas

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