Writing Program Workshop 9/29/2004 Sequencing Assignments Dr. Felicia Jean Steele Department of English

What is an Assignment Sequence? Hierarchical Definition A sequence of assignments requiring increasing levels of complexity, upon which every future assignment relies. A sequence of assignments requiring increasing levels of complexity, upon which every future assignment relies.Non-hierarchical Unrelated assignments that move students through different “situations” or that practice different skills. Unrelated assignments that move students through different “situations” or that practice different skills. Combination of the two

Examples of Sequences Hierarchical: Assignments lead to a larger paper 1. Brainstorming 2. Researching 3. Drafting 4. Revision/Reflection 5. Final Draft Can be recursive Drafting Revision Final Draft Brainstorming Researching

Non-hierarchical Tasks practicing different skills Summary Description Narrative Exposition Argument Definition, Cause, Evaluation, Proposal Synthesis SummaryNarrativeExpositionArgumentDescription

Sequencing Writing Skills Writing assignments can sequence writing skills Expressivity—how important is a “voice” in your discipline? Writing modes (exposition, narration, description)—how important is it in your discipline to be able to “tell a story” or “describe a process”? Argumentation—how important is it for students to persuade an audience? Standardness and disciplinary conventions

How do you formulate a sequence? Work backwards Identify skills Identify skills What skills do you want students to have when they finish your course? Students at the end of the first year should be able to do x, y, z Students at the end of the first year should be able to do x, y, z What skills do your students need to have to complete the major successfully? Students graduating from college should be able to do x, y, z Students graduating from college should be able to do x, y, z Prioritize skills Prioritize skills What skills must students master before others? When must they master them? (allows you to prepare for examinations as well)

Content of Sequence Sequenced assignments need not all be “writing assignments” Nor must they be graded Sequence should combine recursive and non-recursive tasks Build revision into the sequence, for example Build revision into the sequence, for example Allow students to build more objective writing off of more subjective writing Allow students to build more objective writing off of more subjective writing

Resources for Determining Skills Writing Program Administrators Statement Writing Program Administrators Statement Course Proposals Departmental Core Values Departmental Matrices Professional Associations’ Lists of Competencies Professional Associations’ Lists of Competencies Core curriculum standards Core curriculum standards Accreditation standards Accreditation standards