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Evaluation is a key part of teaching. But, when it comes to assignments, what information should you include? How much information is too much? And how can you ensure instructions are clear and concise for students to understand? This teaching tip provides faculty with a checklist for your assignment descriptions at Conestoga College.
Checklist for Assignment Descriptions
Use this checklist to review your assignment descriptions.
Purpose
Learning outcomes are specified
Knowledge, skills, attitudes developed are specified
Context
Necessary background information
Task
What needs to be done
Who is the key audience
Key Components
Due date(s)
Expected length and formatting requirements
Type of document and writing style
Rubric (or link)
Weighting
Individual, pair, or group assignment
Support Information
Late penalty
Plagiarism detection tools
Acceptable sources of information
Supports and references (e.g., links)
Language
Clear and succinct
No jargon
Action verbs with explanations
Other
Checklist to keep track of assignment steps
What students should focus on or avoid
How much time the assignment will take
Exemplar/walk through example (or link)
Location
Visible in online/printable document
Posted in eConestoga
Class time to discuss
Coach and support time in class
For some more tips on writing assignments, such as general riders to include in assignments, see this post.
Sara Kafashan
Sara Kafashan, PhD, has worked in post-secondary education since 2009. With a Master’s in Neuroscience and Cognitive Applied Sciences and a PhD in Applied Social Psychology, she has prior teaching experience within the field of Social Sciences. Sara brings a lens of equity, diversity, and inclusion, and a focus on wellness strategies, to teaching and learning. She has expertise in inclusive and accessible educational practices, including curriculum development, resource creation, and engagement with various campus stakeholders.
