Writing Assignment Autopsy Ted Rollins, Andrea Broomfield, Jessica Tipton, and Kathryn Bryne

What do teachers and surgeons have in common?

Using Writing in Your Courses Writing helps students learn what they know and don’t know. Students’ command over a basis of knowledge is often tested via writing. Teaching students how people within your discipline write helps them be successful as academics and professionals. Having students write can give you a way to measure their academic progress in your content area.

Creating Writing Assignments Make learning outcomes clear to students. Help students define and understand their writing situation. Study examples with students and highlight “moves” writers make that work and do not work. Do the writing assignment with students to help see their perspective. Build in process steps and resources to promote student success.

Grading Writing Assignments Distinguish commenting from grading. Use a rubric or grading guide that you have shared with students. Resist the urge to grade student writing only (or primarily) based on spelling, grammar, or punctuation. Consider not grading some writing assignments (such as write-to-learn exercises and reflections).

Library Support How can the library support the assignment and your students? Do your students know how to do research? Have you asked students to find and use resources that make sense?

Writing Center Support How can the Writing Center support your students? How can the Writing Center support you? Have you asked students to use writing resources that make sense?

Analyzing Writing Assignments Let’s analyze (or “autopsy”) some writing assignment samples before examining your writing assignments. See handout for examples and rubric.

Questions to Ask and Answer Does your assignment have one or more clear objectives? Have you provided clear expectations and a rubric? Do your students have model assignments? Have you performed the task yourself first before giving it to students? Can you make it harder for students to cheat/plagiarize? (Stay tuned for our next workshop!)

Resources The WAC Clearinghouse offers valuable resources for teachers across the disciplines related to the following relevant questions: What makes a good writing assignment? Do I have to be an expert in grammar to assign writing? How can I avoid getting lousy student writing?