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Teaching Tips | Week 1: Getting Off on the Right Foot:
Assignment Templates
Spring 2009
Whether you're teaching onsite or online, it is critical to communicate clear expectations for every assignment. Don't get caught giving instructions for assignments in the last few minutes of class while both you and your students may be distracted and overlook important details. Instead, put all the details about your assignments in writing using an assignment template. Assignment templates include ALL the information your students will need to complete your assignments successfully.
Post all your assignment sheets on the course website so students can download them ahead of time. Or, post each one after class so students who were absent won't trouble you for the information during the week.
Here is an assignment template that you can adapt for any project, large or small.
Assignment Template
Assignment Name and Number |
Due Date |
When is the assignment due? |
Description |
What exactly will the students do?
What are the assignment's specifications? How are the students going to complete this assignment?
What specific steps do students need to follow?
Can you offer any special tips to help them succeed with this assignment?
Any common pitfalls to be avoided? |
Purpose |
• How does this assignment fit in with the goals of your course?
• What do you want students to learn from completing the assignment? |
Tools |
What tools, materials, readings, software will they need to complete the assignment? |
Submission Directions |
How will students turn in their work? Should they e-mail it to you? Do you prefer a hard copy? Should students matte, frame, format their work in a particular way? Where do they need to upload it? Are there labeling conventions you would like them to use? Be explicit. |
Prepare for discussion and/or critique |
Expect students to share their work in the next class session. For example, you can ask students to:
• Be prepared to share your experiences completing this assignment in small groups during the first five minutes of class.
• Prepare for a brief quiz in class on the material included in this assignment.
• Be prepared to present your work in front of the whole class during the critique. Rehearse what you will say.
• Be prepared to compare your responses to this assignment in small groups. |
Grading Criteria |
How will the students be evaluated on this assignment? Provide a rubric or list of criteria to make the distinction between what you consider acceptable and unacceptable work. Provide examples if possible. |
Resources
Another assignment template idea
Rubrics for Assessment and Grading
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