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ILA: Constructing Formal Writing Assignments
The most successful writing assignments are those that are
intentionally crafted with outcomes, course objectives, and the
students' abilities in mind.
In general, we can think of writing assignment
construction as a 3 part process where we ask:
 | Who are our students and what are their
skills? |
| What are our goals for the students, in this
assignment and in this course? |
| How can we articulate this information in an
accessible assignment sheet? |
The following two documents present some
general insights into the writing abilities of Monmouth College
freshmen:
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State of Composition:
Faculty Observations on Freshman Writing (Fall 2005): When
generating goals for a writing assignment, it's important to
consider the level of the students' writing skills: what they do
well and what they struggle with. If we can construct an assignment
with a better idea of what to expect in terms of skills, we can then
play to the students' strengths and provide resources for the areas
where they have difficulties. On September 22, 2005, ENGL 110
faculty were informally polled and asked for their observations on
freshman writing.
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Student Comments on Writing Assignments:
In spring 2005, I conducted a pilot survey of about 100 students in
ENGL 110 here at Monmouth College, initiating a study of how
motivation influences student writing in freshman composition
courses. When asked, "What are the top three things you'd suggest
that college English teachers do to increase your level of
motivation in completing writing assignments?," students frequently
referred to some aspect of assignment construction. |
The following three documents illustrate the process of establishing appropriate assignment goals for
our particular courses and constructing the actual assignment sheets:
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Considering Course Goals:
Before designing writing assignments (formal or informal), think
about what you want students to accomplish and how
they will do so. The following questions can help you to
consider your course and writing assignment goals.
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Constructing Formal Essay Assignments:
This handout includes suggestions on the content for your
assignment sheet, ways to encourage thesis-based writing, and
alternatives you might want to consider to formal writing
assignments.
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Writing Assignment Checksheet: It never hurts to get
feedback on a writing assignment, to help you to anticipate
unforeseen directions students might take an assignment. A
fresh set of eyes is always helpful (I'm happy to read your
assignment drafts), but you can also critique your own
assignments by asking some simple questions, such as those found
on this handout. |
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