--- 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 ```bash /canvas-feedback-template ``` Or with specific context: ```bash /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: | 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: 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 ```markdown **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 ```markdown **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 ```markdown **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: ```yaml 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 ```python # 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: ```csv 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 --- Source attribution: vishalsachdev Original project: https://github.com/vishalsachdev/learning-design-pillars/blob/64220598f033d23d1a4d5e5090358c129f111dff/skills/canvas-feedback-template/SKILL.md License: MIT License information: https://opensource.org/license/mit Original upstream instructions; downloaded from Dave AI. ## Upstream license notice MIT License Copyright (c) 2024 Vishal Sachdev Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person obtaining a copy of this software and associated documentation files (the "Software"), to deal in the Software without restriction, including without limitation the rights to use, copy, modify, merge, publish, distribute, sublicense, and/or sell copies of the Software, and to permit persons to whom the Software is furnished to do so, subject to the following conditions: The above copyright notice and this permission notice shall be included in all copies or substantial portions of the Software. THE SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHORS OR COPYRIGHT HOLDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES OR OTHER LIABILITY, WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM, OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SOFTWARE OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS IN THE SOFTWARE. # Dave AI resource metadata Creator / publisher: vishalsachdev Original project: https://github.com/vishalsachdev/learning-design-pillars/blob/64220598f033d23d1a4d5e5090358c129f111dff/skills/canvas-feedback-template/SKILL.md Attribution basis: Recovered original package and original project license at a pinned revision Fields of work: Education & Research Roles: Academic Writer, Curriculum Designer, Tutor / Instructor Specialties: Specialty not specified Tools: Tool not specified Country applicability: Country not specified Classification basis: Source catalog labels Instruction SHA-256: 510d7021dddff8ecec7cf9b0200ab8f00e8edfaed2ded7afb782379a489d4aa2 Metadata reviewed: 2026-10-27 This metadata supersedes earlier Dave AI catalog attribution. Original instruction and supporting files are preserved.