Students might find themselves grappling with the mysteries of an assignment, wondering what an instructor’s directions mean, the assignment’s purpose, and its role in the larger context of a course. 

Instructors should design assignments to ensure students actively engage with course content and develop essential skills. Transparent assignment design is a framework for structuring assignments to promote and encourage student learning. Many of these strategies might seem straightforward, and probably include practices you do often, but transparent assignment design is about intentionality and considering what you are asking your students to do and how it can lead to their success.

Based on research  from Dr. Mary Ann Winkelmes (University of Nevada Las Vegas, Brandeis University) and the Transparency in Learning and Teaching (TILT) Higher Ed Project, transparent assignment design is  a way of communicating expectations to learners. The framework includes three components for assignment design: purpose, tasks, and criteria. Each of these components creates accessibility by removing barriers or the unwritten rules of what it means to be a college student. Instructors create transparency by describing how students will learn content, why learning experiences were planned in a particular way, and how students will use their learning in the course and beyond. 

Research has demonstrated that this type of explicit instruction and construction of assignments supports all students, but it is particularly beneficial for underrepresented students, first generation college students, and low income students. And these aren’t major shifts. Winkelmes found that transparency in just two assignments per course significantly improved student learning, boosted academic confidence and sense of belonging, and encouraged students’ metacognitive awareness of skill development toward future professions. 

Transparent assignment design is also beneficial to instructors. Assignments are more likely to be turned in on time, students participate in meaningful discussion at higher rates, and there are fewer questions from students about assignment logistics.

So, exactly how do you design a transparent assignment? 

1. Reflect on the learning objectives of the assignment and your course.  
2. Articulate the purpose of the assignment. Explain its relevance to the course objectives and any broader academic and real-world contexts. Describe the skills students will practice and what knowledge they will gain. 
3. Break down the tasks. Divide complex tasks into smaller, manageable tasks. Provide step-by-step instructions and resources to guide students through each stage of an assignment as a checklist using student-friendly language. 
4. Define success. Explicitly outline what a successful assignment looks like (consider sharing a rubric or exemplar). This builds student confidence and allows them to self-evaluate. 
5. Seek student feedback. Although your assignment might seem clear, remember you are an expert in your field and prone to potential blind spots. Student insights can help you refine future assignments. 

Transparent assignment design doesn’t require you to  redesign your course; rather, it improves existing  assignments. This is one small step toward creating a more inclusive learning environment. Interested in learning more about transparent assignment design? Check out STLI’s microcourse – Designing for Learners: Supporting Student Writers.