Grades can be both a student's ally and adversary in the world of college education. We yearn to know them, to catch a glimpse of how we're doing, but when they stare back at us, it can be tempting to give them a metaphorical punch in the face. If you're fortunate to have an exceptionally organized professor, your grades will be promptly uploaded to Canvas, giving you a sneak peek at what your semester transcript might look like.
Understanding Weighted Assignments
If you're diligent enough to have actually read your syllabus, you'll have noticed that different types of assignments carry varying weight in determining your final grade. So, even if you received a humble C for a casual discussion response worth a mere 5% of the overall grade, it won't weigh as heavily as that final exam, which contributes a substantial 20%. Thanks to Canvas, professors can assign the appropriate weight to each assignment in the grades section, allowing you to gauge the current percentage you're achieving in the course.
Interpreting the Information on the Screen
The initial encounter with your grade page can feel overwhelming as an array of numbers appears, seemingly devoid of any coherence. However, you need not fret; it's simpler than it seems. The list displayed represents all the assignments your professor has chosen to factor into your final grade. The numbers beside each assignment correspond to either the percentage you've earned, the maximum possible score, or the total points available in the case of quizzes.
Below this list, you'll find a breakdown of the overall percentage you've achieved in the course, along with a detailed distribution of your performance in each assignment category, such as discussion board responses, essays, participation, and more.
If you spot an eye icon next to an assignment, it signifies that the instructor has not yet posted the grade. This may be due to the fact that the assignment is still being evaluated or because you haven't submitted it yet.
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