16 Transparent assignment design

Transparent assignment design is a component of the Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) framework that aims to make learning and assessment more explicit for students. Studies show that conveying the purpose, task, and criteria of assignments helps students meet the assignment’s expectations and increases academic performance (Winkelmes, 2016). Transparently designed educational experiences enhance learning for all students, increasing their academic achievement, sense of belonging, and graduation and retention rates, especially for underserved student populations (Winkelmes, 2016).

To effectively implement this strategy into your course, you can start by stating the purpose, task, and criteria of learning experiences (e.g., an assignment, office hours, group work activity, or a final exam). This method has shown significant results even after modifying only two assignments in a course.

Purpose: The purpose section clearly states the assignment’s learning objectives and connects them to the broader course context and to critical skills and knowledge that students will gain or develop through this experience. In the transparent assignment template, Mary-Ann Winkelmes suggests these phrases: “The purpose of this assignment is to help you practice the following skills that are essential to your success in this course / in school / in this field / in professional life beyond school …” and “This assignment will also help you to become familiar with the following important content knowledge in this discipline …” (Winkelmes, 2013).

Task: In the task section, share concrete steps students should take to perform this activity. You can also discuss potential mistakes students should avoid. If figuring out the process is a part of a task, you could explicitly state that: “The purpose of this assignment is for you to struggle and feel confused while you invent and test your own approach for addressing the problem.” (Winkelmes, 2013).

Criteria for success: In the criteria section, describe the characteristics of the finished assignment and share multiple examples of presenting the result. Share rubrics, evaluation guidelines, and principles. Understanding assignment criteria helps nurture students’ self-assessment skills.

To make your assignments more transparent, consult the TILT checklist, template, and rubric to measure transparency. We also encourage you to participate in our asynchronous self-paced Transparent Course Design Workshop. 

The Center for Teaching staff also offer partnership for instructors who would like to produce research on the efficacy of their assignment design. Please see the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) program web pages for more information on developing and conducting SoTL.

💡 Draft a transparent assignment:

Choose a major assignment or a learning activity you would like to introduce to your students during the first days of your course. Formulate its purpose, task, and criteria. Write out and format this assignment as you would for your students. This part should look like an artifact (e.g., a handout or a presentation slide) you could use in your class.