What types of writing assignments are best?
It depends on the faculty’s purpose for each particular assignment. If the purpose of the writing is to check students’ understanding of material, then a simple response to a question or text which can be read quickly without concern for the mechanics and grammar is appropriate. When a faculty member wants students to approximate formal writing done in a field, then an assignment which provides examples of that type of writing, asks students to write something similar, includes ample time for multiple drafts, and gives opportunities for feedback during the writing process is appropriate. Faculty need to consider purpose, decide on a response method and then develop materials (sample papers, response rubrics, grading criteria) appropriate to that assignment. Possible writing assignments include: argument or opinion papers, case studies, reviews, annotated bibliographies, lab reports, scientific papers, explications, screen plays, dialogues, poems, etc. Resources are available through th
