Create a Rubric in Canvas

The purpose of using a rubric is to focus students' attention on critical components of an assignment and to help the instructor maintain consistency when grading. Using a rubric is especially important if there are teaching assistants involved in the grading process or if students are completing peer reviews.

You can create one or more rubrics in Canvas. You can create a rubric on the Assignment page or on the Manage Rubrics page. The Manage Rubrics page lists all of the rubrics in the course, while an assignment page displays only the rubric for that assignment. This topic explains it from the Manage Rubrics, but the process is the same on either page.

1

On the Course Navigation menu, click Rubrics

Rubrics link in the left side navigation.

 
2

Click + Create New Rubric

+ Create Rubric button.

 
3

Name the Rubric then Click the Draft New Criterion button

Draft New Criterion button.

 
4

Name the Criterion adjust the point possibilities as desired and add rating descriptions. You can also delete an option by selecting the trash can icon.

Criterion creation window, Name, Save Criterion and a trash can icon highlighted in orange.

Note: Make sure that the total points equals the total points for the assignment or discussion that you would like to attach it to.

 
5

Click Save Criterion when finished

Save Criterion Button highlighted in orange

 
6

Click Create Rubric when finished

Create Rubric button highlighted in orange.

Note: For more detailed instructions see How do I add a rubric to an assignment? Open External Link  in the Canvas Guides or see our section on attaching rubrics to discussions.

Rubric Settings

There are some optional settings for a rubric that can be selected when the rubric is created or by editing the rubric afterward by clicking on the pencil icon to open the rubric for editing.

I'll write free-form comments when assessing students
This option lets you write comments for each criterion instead of using the ratings scale. Those comments can be saved and re-used for multiple submissions. If you selected this option, you cannot give partial credit. You can still use the rubric for grading if you select both this option and the "Use this rubric for assignment grading" option.
Use this rubric for assignment grading (Recommended)
This option tallies the total points on the rubric and automatically inserts the final score for the assignment in the SpeedGrader. (Without this checked you will need to manually enter the final assignment score.)
Hide score total for assessment results
This option hides the total score of the rubric from students when they view the rubric from the Grades page. You should only select this option for formative feedback.