Students are shown a current grade, which calculates their standing based on assignments completed so far. The current grade, as displayed in image below, will differ depending on which of the (above) two weighted grading schemes is employed.

Because of the points available and the weights of the various assignment groups, the difference in their current grade could be significant, and students may see an inaccurate representation of their current standing in the course.

1. Inform both students and instructors as to how final grade calculations occur. 

   • Instructors, let your students know that the grade they see in Canvas may not be accurate. They should talk to you to get a better understanding of how they are doing in your course.

   • Similarly, instructors need to understand that different weighted grading schemes will produce different current grades for students. This is true even when these weighted grading schemes will produce identical final grades.

2. If a student receives a zero (0), add it to the gradebook as soon as possible.

   • A blank cell in the gradebook is not the calculated the same as a zero. This can give students the impression that their grade is higher than it will be at the end of the semester.

   • For more information about applying a missing submission policy, see the Canvas guide How do I apply a Missing Submission policy in the Gradebook? Or, if you have questions about applying a late submission policy, see How do I apply a Late Submission policy in the Gradebook? 

Consider the following weighted grading schemes. At the end of the semester, (after all grades have been entered) these two weighted grading schemes will produce identical results. 

(Note: This is only true if all assignments included in the grading scheme are worth the same number of points. In this example, Quiz 1, Quiz 2, and Quiz 3 are each worth 10 points.)

Grading Scheme Setup

Grading Scheme in Effect