Canvas: How to grade Discussions with Grade Checkpoints

This article is about how faculty use the Speedgrader to grade a Canvas discussion that uses the "Grade Checkpoints" feature. This feature allows instructors to assign separate point values and due dates for a student's initial post and their required replies to peers. This article also shows how students view their grades for the initial and required replies.

Summary

This article is about how faculty use the Speedgrader to grade a Canvas discussion that uses the "Grade Checkpoints" feature. This feature allows instructors to assign separate point values and due dates for a student's initial post and their required replies to peers.   This article also shows how students view their grades for the initial and required replies.

 

How-To

 

Grading a Canvas Discussion Using Grade Checkpoints

 

Accessing and Navigating SpeedGrader

1. Open the Discussion: Navigate to the Discussions section in your course menu.
2. Access SpeedGrader: Click the three-dots icon (options menu) next to the discussion title, then select SpeedGrader.
3. Navigate Students: Use the student dropdown menu or the navigation arrows in the top right of SpeedGrader to move between student submissions.

Grading Each Checkpoint

Within SpeedGrader, you will see a student's contributions highlighted in the discussion thread. The grading panel on the right will display two distinct fields:

• Reply to Topic: Enter the points the student earned for their initial post to the discussion prompt.
• Required Replies: Enter the points for the student's interactions and responses to their peers.

You can also use the status dropdown menu next to each field to mark the submission status (e.g., Late, Missing, Excused).

The Current Total score will automatically calculate based on the points you enter for each checkpoint.

 

Using Rubrics with Checkpoints

If you have attached a rubric to the discussion, you can still use it for assessment and grading:

• Click the View Rubric button in SpeedGrader to open and use the rubric to assess the student's work.

Important Note: Rubric scores do not automatically populate the individual checkpoint grade fields. You must manually enter the points from the rubric into the corresponding "Reply to Topic" and "Required Replies" fields.

Finalizing the Grade and Feedback

• Add Comments: Use the single Assignment Comments box to provide overall feedback for the entire discussion performance.
• Submit Grade: After entering the grades and comments, click the Submit button to save the student's score and move to the next student.

By following these steps, you can efficiently and effectively grade discussions with checkpoints, providing clear, structured feedback that aligns with your course expectations.

How do students view the Discussion Checkpoint Grades

Students will see the total grade, initial post grade and the required reply grade.  If a rubric is assigned to the Discussion then a link to the Rubric is available.  See the images below on where and how the student views the grades.

The image below shows how students will see the grades for the Discussions Checkpoints.  There is a line for the Total Grade and the individual grade for each checkpoint.

The image below shows how the student sees the Discussion Checkpoint grade when they view their Discussion posts.  There are 3 fields; total grade, initial post and required reply grades.  Student also has the link to the Rubric grade if one has been used for the Discussion.

 

Outcome

The instructor will know how to grade Discussion Checkpoints and know how the student views the grade for checkpoints

 

Further Readings 

Canvas: Discussions Using Grade Checkpoints

How do I grade a graded discussion in Speedgrader 

 

Need additional help?

Submit a Canvas (myCourses) support request or visit the Technology Help Desk Support page to locate your local campus contact information or to submit an online technology support request.  For password issues you must call or visit the Help Desk in person.