Canvas Feedback Template Generator

Generate learning science-backed feedback templates for Canvas assignments.

Skill Purpose

This skill creates feedback templates that apply the Four Learning Design Pillars, specifically focusing on Pillar 3: Continuous Practice & Feedback. It generates targeted, encouraging feedback that helps students improve while maintaining a positive tone.

Usage

/canvas-feedback-template

Or with specific context:

/canvas-feedback-template "peer review assignment" --rubric

Workflow

Step 1: Gather Context

Ask the user for:

1. Assignment type (essay, project, quiz, discussion, peer review)
2. Learning objectives being assessed
3. Common issues seen in submissions (optional)
4. Rubric criteria if available

Step 2: Generate Templates

Create feedback templates organized by:

Performance Levels

• Exceeds Expectations - Celebrate mastery, suggest stretch goals
• Meets Expectations - Acknowledge success, highlight one improvement area
• Approaching Expectations - Specific improvements with encouragement
• Needs Improvement - Clear next steps with support resources

Feedback Components (per Principle 3.2.1 - Targeted Feedback)

Each template should include:

1. Strength acknowledgment (Principle 3.2.2 - Encouraging)
2. Specific observation with evidence from submission
3. Actionable improvement with concrete next step
4. Forward-looking connection to future learning

Step 3: Apply Learning Principles

Ensure all templates follow these principles:

Step 4: Canvas Integration

If canvas-mcp is available:

1. Rubric Comments: Generate comment options for each rubric criterion
2. Comment Library: Format for Canvas SpeedGrader comment library
3. Bulk Feedback: Create templates suitable for bulk_grade_submissions

Template Examples

Essay Assignment - Meets Expectations

**What's Working Well:**
Your thesis statement in paragraph 1 clearly establishes your argument about [topic].
The evidence in paragraphs 2-3 effectively supports your main claim.

**One Area to Strengthen:**
Your conclusion summarizes your points but could be more impactful. Try connecting
back to your opening hook or suggesting implications of your argument.

**Next Step:**
For your next essay, experiment with a "so what?" statement in your conclusion
that explains why your argument matters to the reader.

Peer Review Assignment - Approaching Expectations

**Strengths in Your Review:**
You identified the key strengths in your peer's draft and provided specific examples.

**Area for Growth:**
Your suggestions for improvement are general ("make it clearer"). More effective
peer feedback includes specific, actionable recommendations.

**How to Improve:**
Instead of "the introduction needs work," try: "Consider opening with a specific
example of [topic] to immediately engage readers. For instance, you could describe..."

**Reflection Question:**
What specific change would have the biggest impact on your peer's draft?

Quiz/Assessment - Needs Improvement

**Current Standing:**
You've demonstrated understanding of [specific topics]. Some foundational concepts
need more practice before moving forward.

**Focus Areas:**
- [Concept 1]: Review [specific resource or module]
- [Concept 2]: Complete practice problems in [location]

**Support Available:**
- Office hours: [times]
- Tutoring center: [link]
- Practice quiz: [link] (unlimited attempts)

**Encouragement:**
Many students find these concepts challenging at first. With targeted practice,
you can build mastery. Let's connect if you'd like to discuss a study plan.

Rubric Comment Generation

When --rubric flag is used, generate comments for each criterion:

criterion: "Thesis Statement"
levels:
  excellent:
    points: 20
    comment: "Your thesis is clear, specific, and arguable. It effectively previews your main arguments and sets up the essay structure."
  proficient:
    points: 16
    comment: "Your thesis establishes a clear position. To strengthen it, make your main argument more specific by identifying [the key factor/the primary cause/etc.]."
  developing:
    points: 12
    comment: "Your thesis identifies a topic but needs a clearer argumentative claim. Try completing this sentence: 'This essay argues that [specific claim] because [key reasons].'"
  beginning:
    points: 8
    comment: "I don't see a clear thesis statement. Let's meet to discuss how to craft a thesis that makes a specific, arguable claim about your topic."

Canvas MCP Integration

Using with SpeedGrader

# After generating templates, user can apply via canvas-mcp
# Example workflow:
# 1. Generate templates with this skill
# 2. Copy to SpeedGrader comment library
# 3. Use bulk_grade_submissions for consistent feedback

Bulk Grading Template

For bulk_grade_submissions, generate CSV-compatible format:

student_id,grade,comment
12345,85,"[Generated feedback based on rubric scores]"
12346,72,"[Generated feedback based on rubric scores]"

Feedback Quality Checklist

Before finalizing templates, verify:

• Specific: References actual work, not generic statements
• Actionable: Includes concrete next step
• Encouraging: Leads with strengths, maintains supportive tone
• Forward-looking: Connects to future assignments/learning
• Proportionate: Length matches assignment weight
• Accessible: Uses clear language appropriate to course level

Related Skills

• /canvas-assignment-design - Design assignments with feedback in mind
• /canvas-course-audit - Audit feedback practices across a course
• /learning-design-review - Review feedback quality against principles