| name | canvas-feedback-template |
| description | Generate learning science-backed feedback templates for Canvas assignments. Use when educators need feedback templates for grading, want to create rubric comments, need encouraging feedback language aligned with Pillar 3 principles (targeted, encouraging, immediate), or want to set up SpeedGrader comment libraries. Works with canvas-mcp for bulk grading. |
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:
- Assignment type (essay, project, quiz, discussion, peer review)
- Learning objectives being assessed
- Common issues seen in submissions (optional)
- 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:
- Strength acknowledgment (Principle 3.2.2 - Encouraging)
- Specific observation with evidence from submission
- Actionable improvement with concrete next step
- Forward-looking connection to future learning
Step 3: Apply Learning Principles
Ensure all templates follow these principles:
| Principle | Application in Feedback |
|---|
| 3.2.1 Targeted | Focus on specific, goal-oriented actions |
| 3.2.2 Encouraging | Start with positives, maintain supportive tone |
| 3.2.3 Immediate | Design for quick delivery via SpeedGrader |
| 3.3.2 Generating explanations | Ask questions that prompt reflection |
| 3.3.3 Reflection | Include prompts for self-assessment |
Step 4: Canvas Integration
If canvas-mcp is available:
- Rubric Comments: Generate comment options for each rubric criterion
- Comment Library: Format for Canvas SpeedGrader comment library
- 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
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:
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
