Marking and Feedback

This section will take you through the key things you need to know for marking and feedback in Canvas. It will firstly explain the Gradebook in Canvas, which is similar to the Grade Centre in Blackboard, and then the SpeedGrader which is where any inline marking happens. Lastly, you’ll also find information on how to mark with Rubrics in Canvas.

Gradebook is Canvas’ version of the Grade Centre. This is where you’ll be able to view all student submissions to assignments or quizzes on your course unit. Use the guides below to find out how to use the Gradebook to manage student submissions.

View all the Canvas guides on Gradebook

SpeedGrader is the tool within Canvas where marking and feedback takes place. SpeedGrader provides a consistent marking interface which can be used to mark individual and group assignments, quizzes and graded discussions. The guides below walk you through how to use the SpeedGrader for marking and providing feedback on a variety of different assignment types.

View all the Canvas guides on SpeedGrader

Rubrics support efficient, consistent marking and their implementation in Canvas provides clear feedback to students. Use the guides below to find out how to mark with rubrics.

Image of a marking rubric open within the SpeedGrader.

View all the Canvas guides on Rubrics

Before releasing any marks in Canvas, check the Grade Posting Policy. All courses should have this set to manual by default via the template, and this setting should NOT be changed. Manual posting ensures that grades remain hidden from students until staff are ready to release them, allowing time for moderation and review. Follow the steps below to check the settings and release marks when ready.

  1. Go to Grades in Canvas.
Screenshot  of Grades in Canvas

2. Ensure the ‘Grade Posting Policy’ is set to ‘manual’, this has been applied through the template and is NOT to be changed. This can be seen by going to the cog icon which is settings.

Screenshot showing 'manually' post grades.

3. To show this has worked there will be a hidden eye at the top of the column.

Screenshot showing the 'hidden eye' icon at the top of the column.

4. When marking is complete and you are ready to release the marks, go to the 3 three Dots (⋮) menu and select ‘post grades.’

Screenshot showing how to post grades from the drop down menu in canvas.

5. A side menu will appear where you can select to show everyone, or just students who have been graded so far.  Students will receive an email from this action.

Screenshot for feedback with the option to release to either everyone or just those being graded.

6. Students will now be able to see their grades.

Screenshot of how students will see grades.