Assignment, Discussion, or Quiz?

Icon Guide: Assignment, Discussion, or Quiz

Use the following questions to determine the most suitable type of assessment in Canvas.

Is the item graded or does it need to appear in the Gradebook?

If yes: Use an Assignment, Graded Quiz/Survey, or Graded Discussion.
If no: Use an Ungraded Survey or Ungraded Discussion.

Should the student submission be visible to other students?

If yes: Use a Discussion.
If no: Use an Assignment or Quiz.

Does the assessment include questions like True/False or Multiple Choice?

If yes: Use a Quiz.
If no: Use an Assignment or Discussion.
Note: Quizzes can mix essay questions with fixed-answer questions like True/False.

Is the student submitting something directly?

If yes: Use an Assignment, Quiz, or Discussion.
If no: Use an Assignment with Submission Type set to “No Submission” (ideal for Participation grades).

Are you converting a handwritten exam (e.g., blue book)?

If yes: Use a Quiz or Assignment with the File Upload submission type.
If no: Choose based on other answers (Assignment, Quiz, or Discussion).
Note: The term “Quiz” in Canvas refers to the tool, which can be used for both quizzes and exams.

Recommendations for building assessments that work for you and your students

Embrace Creativity and Flexibility in Assessment Design

- - Applying Universal Design for Learning principles can make assessments more inclusive by offering students various formats for expression and action.

Example: “Designing Your Own Exam” – students submit potential exam questions with answers and explanations. The instructor compiles a review sheet, selecting the best questions for the actual exam. This fosters engagement, provides a review opportunity, and reduces question-writing workload.

Read More:

"Alternative Final Assignment Format Tips and Tools," by Jean Clipperton, Assistant Professor of Instruction, Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences

“A Professor Asked His Students to Write Their Own Exam Questions. Here’s What He Found.”, from The Chronicle of Higher Education

“Student-Written Exams Increase Student Involvement“, from Faculty Focus

Encourage Collaborative Learning with Exams

Two-Stage Exams: In this format, students first complete the exam individually, then reconvene in groups to answer questions collaboratively. This approach offers immediate feedback and reinforces learning.
Example Resource: Teach Better Podcast – Listen to Edward O’Neill and Doug McKee discuss two-stage exams with Teddy Svoronos from Harvard Kennedy School. (add link)

Read More

“The Effects of Collaborative Testing“, from Faculty Focus

Use Canvas Tools to Reduce Grading Workload

Automated Grading: Whenever possible, use auto-graded quizzes to save time.
Peer Review: Include peer review for early drafts of major assignments.

Read More:

How Can Technology Help You Give Your Students Great Feedback?