This guide explains how to access exam scripts in Canvas, use SpeedGrader, manage anonymous marking, and mark either full scripts or individual questions.

You can choose how to interact with this guide. We have 3 video demonstrations to choose from, based on your needs (including timeslots to skip to where needed), alternatively the written version of the guides are below.

How to mark exams using canvas: General Guide

This video (How to mark Canvas Exams) demo’s several ways to mark exams. Key timeframes that you can skip to (you will need to be logged into the video portal to access):

0.00: How to access your Canvas Course
1.15: How to access the quiz for marking
1.58: How to use the speedgrader for marking and ensure anonymity
3.39: How to mark when you are marking all questions in an exam script
7.29: How to mark question by question

How to mark exams using Canvas: Mark script by script

This video (How to mark one script at a time) demo’s how to make exams when you mark a full script at a time. Key timeframes that you can skip to (you will need to be logged into the video portal to access):

0.00: How to access your Canvas Course
1.15: How to access the quiz for marking
1.58: How to use the speedgrader for marking and ensure anonymity
3.00: How to mark when you are marking all questions in an exam script

How to mark exams using Canvas: Mark question by question

This video demo’s how to mark exams one question at a time. Key timeframes that you can skip to (you will need to be logged into the video portal to access):

0.00: How to access your Canvas Course
1.15: How to access the quiz for marking
1.58: How to use the speedgrader for marking and ensure anonymity
3.03: How to mark question by question

1. Accessing the Exam for Marking

  1. Log in to Canvas and locate the course you are marking.
  2. If the course does not appear on your dashboard:
    • Click Courses
    • Use your browser’s Find function to search for the course name
  3. If the course is still unavailable, contact your Curriculum and Programme Team to request access.

Once inside the course:

  1. Select Quizzes from the course menu.
  2. If there are many quizzes:
    • Scroll through the list, or
    • Use your browser’s Find function and search for the term exam
  3. Locate the exam, click the three‑dot menu, and choose SpeedGrader.

SpeedGrader will open, possibly in a new browser tab.

2. Anonymous Marking in SpeedGrader

Exams are marked anonymously.

When you first enter SpeedGrader, you may see a student name in the top‑right corner.

If this happens:

  1. Click the cogwheel (Settings) in the top‑left corner.
  2. Choose Options.
  3. Select Hide names in SpeedGrader.
  4. Click Save.

This setting will be remembered for your account.
To remove anonymity in the future, repeat the same process.

3. Important Note on Comments and Feedback

On the right‑hand side of SpeedGrader there is an Additional Comments panel.

⚠️ Important:
Any comments or feedback placed in the Additional Comments box:

  • May be visible to students
  • Will be attributed to you by name

Use this area with caution and only for feedback intended to be released to students.

4. Marking Approaches in SpeedGrader

There are two main ways to mark exams in SpeedGrader:

  1. Marking many or all questions within a single script
  2. Marking one question across multiple scripts

Each option is explained below.

Option 1: Marking Many or All Questions in a Script

Locating Scripts

  • To move between scripts when marking all students, use the forward and back arrows next to where the student name would appear in the top right.
  • If you have been assigned specific scripts via sections:
    1. Click the drop‑down list
    2. Select your name or marking group
    3. The arrows will now show only the scripts you are required to mark

Marking the Script

  1. Scroll down the script.
  2. For each question you will see:
    • The question
    • The student’s answer
    • Grading notes (where provided)

Use the grading notes to determine the mark:

  • ✅ Tick = indicates correct, gives full marks
  • ❌ Cross = indicates incorrect, gives 0 marks

For questions worth multiple points:

  • Adjust the score using the up and down arrows next to the point value.

Providing Feedback

  • If feedback is required, click the speech bubble icon for the question.

Saving Marks

  • When you have finished marking the script, click Update at the bottom of the page.

Option 2: Marking One Question Across Multiple Scripts

Enable “Mark by Question”

To make question‑by‑question marking easier:

  1. Click the cogwheel (Settings) in the top‑left corner.
  2. Choose Options.
  3. Select Mark by question.
  4. Click Save.

This preference will be saved to your account.
To disable it later, repeat the same steps.

Marking a Question

  1. Select the question you wish to mark from the question list at the top of the script.
  2. You will see:
    • The question
    • The student’s answer
    • Grading notes

Determine the score using:

  • ✅ Tick = Indicates correct, gives full points
  • ❌ Cross = Indicated incorrect, gives 0 points
  • Adjust marks using the up and down arrows next to the score box

Feedback and Progression

  • Add feedback using the speech bubble icon, if required.
  • Click Update for every question.
  • Click Next student to move to the next script and continue marking.

Summary

  • Always check anonymity settings before marking begins.
  • Be cautious when using the Additional Comments panel.
  • Choose the marking method that best fits your allocation:
    • Full script marking, or
    • Question‑by‑question marking
  • Remember to click Update regularly to save marks.

Marking Exams on Canvas: Locating and Marking Your Exam Scripts and Questions