Effective Assignments

A two-year study of assignments across the college found that faculty have not yet been supported adequately to produce assignments that set students up for success. The practices below will improve your students’ learning experiences.

Contact the WAC Director at x3232 for support implementing any of these practices.

Make Assignments Transparent

Students want to know what they are supposed to do and why. Transparent assignments make your assumptions and expectations visible for students*. 

•  Transparent Assignment Template
•  Transparent Writing Assignment Template with Examples

Take a Transparent Assignment Workshop (Spring 2022) 

• Wednesday, February 16, 2:30-4:00pm, Registration Code: FC68
• Tuesday, March 22, 4:30-5:30pm, Registration Code: FO17
• Wednesday, April 20, 2:00-3:00pm, Registration Code: FO17

Register through MySLCC-->Register for Training-->Faculty Development. Use registration codes above. 

Provide Examples

Students want examples of what they are being asked to do, but less than 10% of writing assignments provide them. Use the SLCC Open Collection of Student Writing to share your expectations.  Encourage students to submit their successful work. 

Encourage Revision

Students are more willing to try if they know they can try again.  Build in feedback and revision opportunities into writing assignments where you can. 

Share Responsibilities

College writing success depends on students and faculty working together. Share the document Writing Assignments: What Students and Teachers Should Expect with your students and keep each other accountable to the shared expectations.

Make Room for Choices

Students are more engaged with assignments if they have choices and decisions to make about their writing.  Choices can include topic, type of writing (genre), format, intended audience, purpose, and more. Even limited choice—selecting from a small set of options—increases engagement with writing.

Use Chat or a Q&A Board in Canvas

Students have questions but are often afraid to ask. Chat and Q&A Discussion Boards allow students to ask questions about assignments.  You can respond to one student’s question about “how many sources do I need?” and ensure that all students can find the answer.