Student Motivation Through Assignment Choice
Assignments are central to the learning experience, but they don’t always inspire the motivation students need for deep engagement. Christine Harrington states in her 2024 article “Increasing Student Motivation Through Assignment Choice,” “I’ve found that students are most likely to be motivated when an assignment enables them to build on their strengths and experiences, taps into their interests, and is designed to help them learn content and skills that are relevant to them.”
Offering students flexibility in how they should approach their work can significantly enhance their learning outcomes. By giving students more options with their assignments, educators can make the educational process more engaging.
Different Approaches to Assignment Design: Topic, Format, and Execution
- Offering Topic Flexibility
Letting students select the subject of their assignments encourages them to explore topics that resonate with their interests, boosting motivation. However, Harrington points out that too many options can overwhelm students, especially those new to the material. Offering a list of suggested topics with the option for students to propose their own strikes a good balance between structure and autonomy. - Giving Options in Assignment Format
Instead of sticking to traditional papers, instructors can present alternative formats like podcasts, multimedia projects, or infographics, allowing students to leverage their strengths. Harrington suggests providing two format options while also letting students propose their own ideas. This flexibility fosters creativity and deeper engagement with the material. - Flexibility in Assignment Approach
Providing choices in how students complete their work—such as deciding between individual or group tasks or having input on due dates—can further enhance motivation. Although these choices are less common, Harrington notes they offer students a sense of control over their learning. Offering a couple of options, like selecting between two deadlines, can provide flexibility without disrupting course structure.
As Harrington emphasizes, even small changes that offer students choice in their assignments can lead to greater motivation and higher-quality work. By incorporating flexibility in topic selection, assignment format, and approach, educators can create a learning environment that empowers students and fosters deeper engagement. With clear guidelines and expectations, assignment choice can be a powerful tool to enhance learning outcomes and student satisfaction.
Upcoming Events
Quick Hits: Utilizing New Analytics in Canvas
Thursday, September 26, 3:30pm-4:00pm
Join this training to learn more about utilizing New Analytics and access insightful data about student behavior in your Canvas course! Whether you have a specific question about New Analytics or want part of this tool demonstrated, this training is your opportunity to learn more about this insightful and time-saving tool. When registering, choose whether to have a specific topic covered, enter your question, or both.
Facilitated by John Dickinson, IT Services Specialist.
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How to Deter Online Cheating through Course Design
Wednesday, October 2, 1:30-2:30pm
Join this training to learn more about deterring cheating through effective course design! This training will cover information about why students cheat and how to design assignments and courses in Canvas that increase motivation for online students. If you have a specific question you want covered during this training, please enter it when you register.
Facilitated by Millie Tullis, Digital Learning Strategist.
Registration: How to Deter Online Cheating through Course Design.
Clemson Online Fall 2024 Events Calendar
Review our Fall 2024 Events Calendar to see what Online Instruction Development opportunities await!
We have a robust lineup of topics and live training formats to support your use of Canvas and other e-learning tools. Topics cover demonstrations of using Kaltura, engaging your students, and workshops to get your Canvas site ready to teach!
All of our live training is recorded. Registrants will automatically receive a link to that day’s video after it has been processed.
Contact Millie Tullis with any questions regarding these sessions.
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