As a teacher, I found I faced challenges when designing assignments for students who struggle in the learning process. That is, I find myself frequently grappling with the task of assigning appropriate questions to students. I often worried about creating assignments that not only allow students to submit their work on time but also engage them effectively.
As a rule, regardless of whom or what we teach, assignments must align with our teaching goals and objectives while considering students’ needs. While clarity is essential in assignment instructions, as a teacher, we need to encourage students to ask questions when they find ambiguity or if the assignments deviate from their expectations.
To do so, instructors are required to establish specific grading criteria to assess students’ assignments. This approach clarifies instructors’ assignment goals and provides students with the opportunity to align themselves with these objectives.
For instance, I once assigned students to complete their first week’s assignment, which constituted part of the semester’s tasks due to an unexpected event. Some students submitted the assignment within the first week, while many did not. Those who didn’t claimed they were unaware of the assignment’s existence, as they hadn’t checked the designated online folder where I had uploaded it. Consequently, only a few students submitted their work. It became apparent that the assignment was meant for the entire class to complete over a period, but this wasn’t communicated explicitly. In an attempt to encourage more submissions, I provided an opportunity for those who hadn’t submitted initially. However, this decision resulted in complaints from those who had submitted on time. The reason for the confusion was simple: I hadn’t explicitly informed them that those who hadn’t submitted initially could do so, but in a different grading category from those who had already submitted.
In conclusion, fostering clarity in assignment instructions while remaining open to students’ queries and adaptability in grading criteria are pivotal strategies to ensure effective student engagement and understanding in the learning process.
