Managing high-enrollment (HE) courses can be overwhelming, but with intentional design and the right tools—especially within Canvas—you can reduce your workload and ease student anxiety. Below are evidence-informed strategies to help you manage large classes more effectively, focusing on communication clarity and automation.
Cut Down on Emails with Clear, Structured Course Design
One of the biggest pain points in HE courses is the flood of student emails—often triggered by unclear instructions or confusing course layouts. To reduce this, prioritize clarity in every aspect of your course. Use:
- Explicit assignment instructions
- Detailed grading rubrics
- A consistent, chronological Canvas layout with visible due dates
When students can easily find what they need, they’re less likely to email you for clarification.
Centralize Questions with a Canvas FAQ Discussion Board
A pinned FAQ discussion board is a powerful way to manage recurring questions. Students can post general inquiries, and both peers and instructors can respond. This not only reduces email volume but also builds a collaborative learning environment. Reference the board in announcements and encourage students to check it before posting new questions.
Automate to Stay Ahead
Automation is your best friend in large courses. Canvas allows you to:
- Pre-schedule assignment and module availability
- Set automated announcements for deadlines and new content using the options available when making a new announcement (see video).
For additional tips and customized recommendations for your course, contact an instructional designer assigned to your college.
These tools help keep students on track and reduce the need for last-minute reminders or reactive communication.
