Why Clear Assignment Instructions Are Essential
Assignment clarity directly impacts student confidence and performance. Without clear instructions, students may feel uncertain about submission requirements, formatting expectations, or even the technology they need to use. For many students, each assignment is a new opportunity to demonstrate their understanding—especially if they’re encountering tools like Turnitin for the first time.
Providing clarity around not only the content of the assignment but also the steps for submission can prevent frustration and technical mishaps, setting students up for success. In this blog post, we’ll go over some essential elements to include when setting up assignments in Canvas, with specific examples of language you can use.
Key Elements of Assignment Setup in Canvas
1. Assignment Description and Objectives 🎯
Students need to know what the assignment is about and why it matters in the context of your course. Clearly state the purpose, learning outcomes, and any specific goals for the assignment.
Example text:
Assignment Overview: In this assignment, you will analyse the historical significance of [topic], focusing on [specific objectives]. By completing this, you’ll gain skills in [related skill or knowledge], which is essential for [future learning or professional application].
2. Clear Submission Requirements 📤
Explain the format, word count, file types allowed, and any structural requirements. When students understand precisely what is expected, they’re more likely to meet the requirements.
Example text:
Submission Guidelines: Please submit your assignment as a .docx or .pdf file. The document should have a word count between 1,000-1,200 words. Include your name and student ID at the top of the first page.
3. Technology-Specific Instructions: CPF/Turnitin Submissions 📚
Many students are used to using the old Turnitin integration for submitting assignments that require similarity checks and may be confused by the lack of a Turnitin Assignment Inbox. Walk students through the submission process for assignments that are utilising CPF and inform them how to view their similarity reports if applicable.
Example text:
Similarity Check Using CPF (Turnitin): Submissions to this assignment will be checked for similarity therefore you will be prompted to accept the terms and conditions of Turnitin when submitting. After you upload your assignment, you will be able to view your Similarity Report, which shows any overlap with other sources. For guidance on using CPF, including how to submit, view your report and how to download a digital receipt, see this Turnitin Submission Guide. Remember, it may take a few hours for your report to become available.
4. Expected Timeline and Submission Deadline 📆
Include both the due date and time, and explain what students should do if they have issues close to the deadline. Canvas allows for automatic deadline settings, but it’s helpful to reinforce these in the assignment description. Set due dates and times within normal working hours to ensure staff are available to assist if students encounter any issues.
Example text:
Deadline and Extensions: Your assignment is due by 12:00 PM on October 10, 2024. Late submissions will incur a 10% deduction per day unless an extension is granted in advance. If you anticipate any issues, please reach out before the due date. Should you have technical issues uploading assignments, contact Canvas Tier 1 Support which is available 24x7x365.
5. Grading Rubric and Criteria ✅
A rubric clarifies exactly what you’re looking for and how students will be assessed. Check how your school approaches rubrics (if any). Attach the rubric in Canvas and, if possible, include a brief explanation in the assignment description. For more information, view this guide on How do I add a Rubric to an assignment.
Example text:
Grading Criteria: This assignment will be graded based on the following criteria: content accuracy, depth of analysis, clarity of argument, and adherence to formatting guidelines. Please refer to the grading rubric attached to this assignment to see a full breakdown of points.
6. Academic Integrity and Expectations 🤝
Remind students of the importance of originality, how to properly cite sources, and the repercussions of academic misconduct.
Example text:
Academic Integrity: All work submitted should be your original work. Use proper citation practices to give credit to all sources. Any form of plagiarism or academic misconduct will be subject to disciplinary action. For more details, please refer to the Academic Offences Guide for Students.
Reminders for Academics Setting Up Canvas Assignments
Use Links Generously: Students benefit from links to resources like formatting guides, submission portals, and tutorial videos. This way, they have quick access to everything they need without searching elsewhere.
Provide Clear, Step-by-Step Instructions: For first-time or complex assignments (e.g., using CPF), break down the submission steps into simple bullet points or numbered lists. You can even add screenshots for extra clarity.
Preview and Test the Assignment from a Student View: Before publishing, use the “Student View” feature in Canvas to ensure everything looks as intended. Check that all links work and that instructions are visible and easily understandable.
Anticipate Common Questions: If this is a recurring assignment, you likely know some common points of confusion. Include a brief FAQ or address these concerns preemptively in your instructions.
For more information on Setting up Assignments, you can view our training videos and other guidance in the training catalogue.
Example Assignment Guidance
Assignment Overview
In this assignment, you will [describe the task, e.g., analyse a key concept, present a case study, write an argumentative essay]. The purpose of this assignment is to [explain the objective, such as “develop your analytical skills” or “apply theoretical knowledge to a practical scenario”]. This work is an essential component of your learning for this module, and it will help prepare you for [mention any further course activities or learning applications].
Submission Requirements
To complete this assignment successfully, please follow these guidelines:
- File Format: Upload your assignment as a .docx or .pdf file only.
- Length: Your submission should be between [e.g., 1,000-1,200] words, not including references.
Submission Instructions Using Turnitin (CPF)
Similarity Check Using CPF (Turnitin): Submissions to this assignment will be checked for similarity therefore you will be prompted to accept the terms and conditions of Turnitin when submitting. After you upload your assignment, you will be able to view your Similarity Report, which shows any overlap with other sources. For guidance on using CPF, including how to submit, view your report and how to download a digital receipt, see this Turnitin Submission Guide. Remember, it may take a few hours for your report to become available.
Deadline and Extensions
- Due Date: The assignment is due by 12:00 PM on [Date].
- Late Submissions: Submissions after this time will receive a [e.g., 10%] deduction per day unless an extension has been requested and approved beforehand.
- Technical Issues: If you encounter any technical issues with Turnitin or Canvas, please contact Canvas Tier 1 Support which is available 24x7x365, immediately and notify me before the due date.
Grading and Feedback
This assignment will be graded based on the following criteria:
- Content and Analysis: Depth and accuracy of your content.
- Structure and Clarity: Organisation and coherence of your argument.
- Formatting and Citations: Proper use of [e.g., APA] format and citation practices.
A detailed grading rubric is attached within Canvas under this assignment for your reference.
Academic Integrity
All work submitted should be your original work. Use proper citation practices to give credit to all sources. Any form of plagiarism or academic misconduct will be subject to disciplinary action. For more details, please refer to the Academic Offences Guide for Students.
If you have any questions or need further guidance, please feel free to reach out!
