Writing Effective Assignments

I. Writing an Effective Assignment

• RULE #1: Keep it simple. Avoid being too verbose.
• RULE #2: Use direction words.
• RULE #3: Include your expectations in your assignment.

Don’t forget to factor in the due dates…

II. Designing Models and Non-Models

• Make and keep copies of students’ writing
• Write the assignments yourselves
  • Tell the students that you’ve done the assignment
  • See where your assignment is not clearly written
• Be sure the models clearly show the critical attributes of the assignment and that they are not beyond the students abilities

III. Creating Rubrics

Sample Rubric

Why?

• Give strong messages to students about what they should include in their writing
• Cut down on time for the instructor when s/he is responding to a student’s writing

Assignment Due at Our Next Meeting…

For our next meeting,

1. Write an assignment. Be sure to use clear direction words.
2. Include at least one model and one non-model. You may choose to use student samples you already have or write the assignment yourself.
3. Design a rubric for the assignment. You may use the four-point scale or design one on your own.