Grading Using Canvas

We recommend using Canvas as a grading and feedback platform so that students are aware of their standing in the class.

However, if you do so, we highly recommend turning off the grade distribution information, so that students cannot see how they scored in relation to their peers when they receive a grade in Canvas. We do not believe this is a useful measure given the small sizes of our classes and the nature of holistic process-based grading. Philosophically and pedagogically, we believe it can do much more harm than good, as students’ processes and development vary greatly, and comparison serves no benefit.

Here is a link to how to turn off the grade distribution feature in Canvas: https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Instructor-Guide/How-do-I-hide-grade-distribution-scoring-details-from-students/ta-p/674

Information about how to set up the Canvas gradebook can be found here: https://kb.wisc.edu/luwmad/page.php?id=69249

If you need additional assistance, please feel free to contact either the L&S Instructional Design Collaborative or the DoIT Help Desk: https://idc.ls.wisc.edu/connect-with-help/