Grading: advanced features

This article covers the fine details of grading in Canvas. For a basic overview of Canvas grading, see All About Grading.

Before You Start 

You'll need a Canvas course site that contains graded assignments


Assignment groups

Assignments are categorized into assignment groups, which are collections of similar tasks like homework, case write-ups, and exams. 

Weighted Grades

Assignment groups also allow you to use weighted grades, such as homework = 20%, papers = 30%, exams = 50%. Canvas will apply these weights to the total score of each assignment group and will compute a final course grade, shown in the "Total" column on the far right of the Gradebook. This column is not displayed to students.

Understanding Points and Grade Types (letter, percentage, etc.)

Canvas relies upon the number of points which are possible per assignment. You can choose how the grade is displayed in the Gradebook, but Canvas always considers the points the assignment is worth. 

Grading Individuals Within a Group

Normally, grades for a group assignment apply to all members of the group. However, you can provide individual grades to students even within a group assignment by using Assign Grades to Each Student Individually. If only a few students will receive individual grades, you can set the group grades first and then turn on this setting to leave those individual grades.

Note that if you want to view comments you leave on individual grades, you must navigate to the student's "Grades" page, where you can view/use Submission Details. (Students can view these comments normally.)

TIP:  Hide the grades while you are changing grades so that you can reveal grades all at once.

Questions?

Email: courseware@wharton.upenn.edu