Pen paper, computerCollecting writing assignments can be as scary for instructors as it is for the students handing them in. Often we feel like it is random chance as to whether students complete their writing successfully, but there are many things we can do to support better writing. Step one is writing effective assignment sheets.

All writers need parameters to write effectively. Without knowing the end goal, students cannot effectively reach it. Just like we need to know a destination in order to get there, students need a clear picture of what they are supposed to create.

Strong assignments always include some variation of the following information:

  • Purpose – Be clear and simple in stating the objective for students. If more information, instruction, or guidance will follow in class, note that also.
  • Length
  • Style and genre expectations – Is this a report or an argument? Is it supposed to include any personal experience or first-hand knowledge? Should it be formal or informal? What are the discipline or assignment-specific standards? Who is the intended audience – experts, peers, professionals, students?
  • Project parts – Some writing assignments may require students to submit pieces along the process.
  • Writing support – Tell students how to access writing supports. If there is information available in a text or online (either for how to write or what content to include), reference it in the assignment. Also remind them of available school services, such as the Writing and Reading Center.
  • Citation style – Something standard is best (MLA, APA, Chicago, ASA, etc.) as that allows students to use multiple resources for guides.
  • Due date

Beginning with the above information is a solid start. Curious as to how clear your writing assignment is? Consider having your students look at a draft to alert you to any potential confusion. In addition, you can consult with me or the Writing and Reading Center about your assignment and how to make it more useful.

Students will continue to need support to learn discipline-specific standards and to produce quality writing. All of the information on an assignment sheet can be emphasized in several ways. In the next three installments, we’ll look at some of these methods: scaffolding, outlines and models, and rubrics.

(See also My students can’t write! Part 2: Scaffolding; My students can’t write! Part 3: Outlines and Models; and My students can’t write! Part 4: Grading and Rubrics.)