Assignment Design: A Checklist


Integrating the Assignment into the Course

  • Connect the Assignment to the course content.
  • Determine the pedagogical purpose of the assignment.
  • Use the assignment monitor students’ progress in and understanding of the course.

Wording the Assignment

  • State the purpose of the assignment.
  • Suggest strategies for responding to the assignment
  • Design the assignment to allow for more than one "right" answer.

Using the Assignment for a Variety of Purposes

  • Design the assignment to help students comprehend and synthesize course materials.
  • Use the assignment to stimulate critical thinking.
  • Use the assignment to introduce discipline specific writing conventions.
  • Use the assignment to facilitate communication between student and instructor.
  • Use the assignment to expand the range of the course.
  • Offer students choices of topics and approaches.

Attending to the Mechanics

  • Hand out printed copies of the assignment.
  • Offer sufficient but succinct explanation.
  • Give students sufficient time to consider the assignment, write and revise.
  • Communicate your grading criteria and your expectations for students’ responses.

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Elizabeth Birmingham
Assistant Professor, Department of English
320J Minard Hall
North Dakota State University
Fargo, North Dakota 58105

Office: (701) 231-6587
e-mail: Elizabeth.Birmingham@ndsu.nodak.edu

Prospective students may schedule a visit by calling: 1-800-488-NDSU.

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