Sequencing Assignments
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Learn how to design assignment sequences that promote student skill development and progression. Explore hierarchical and non-hierarchical approaches, and discover examples of effective sequences. Consider skills such as expressivity, writing modes, argumentation, and standardness. Gain practical tips and resources for formulating your own assignment sequences.
Sequencing Assignments
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Sequencing Assignments Dr. Felicia Jean Steele Department of English steele@tcnj.edu Writing Program Workshop 9/29/2004
What is an Assignment Sequence? • Hierarchical Definition • 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. • Combination of the two
Examples of Sequences • Hierarchical: Assignments lead to a larger paper • Brainstorming • Researching • Drafting • Revision/Reflection • Final Draft • Can be recursive
Non-hierarchical • Tasks practicing different skills • Summary • Description • Narrative • Exposition • Argument • Definition, Cause, Evaluation, Proposal • Synthesis
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 • 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 • 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 • 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 • Allow students to build more objective writing off of more subjective writing
Resources for Determining Skills • Writing Program Administrators Statement • Course Proposals • Departmental Core Values • Departmental Matrices • Professional Associations’ Lists of Competencies • Core curriculum standards • Accreditation standards