Learning Objectives
- Define a transparent Purpose
- Describe the importance of the “purpose” section and its relation to motivation and engagement.
- Identify whether the transparency of a purpose statement is weak or strong
Introduction
This is part 2 of a 4 part series of articles on Transparent Assignment Design (Part 1: TAD). The first component of the Transparent Assignment Design (TAD) framework has to do with the Purpose. The purpose explains “the why” to the learner.
The Significance of Transparency in Purpose
“Why am I learning this?” “What is the point of this?” “How is this going to help me in the long run?” “Is this just busy work?” “How am I going to use this in the future?”
These are common questions learners ask themselves, their peers, and even instructors when they don’t understand why they are being asked to complete a course assignment or activity. The purpose of an assignment may be crystal clear to an instructor, but students who are new to the content and skills need a direct connection to its relevance clearly stated in order to see its importance. As a former Instructional Designer and current Engagement and Assessment Consultant, I have reviewed hundreds of assignments and the purpose of an assignment is often the key element that is missing. But why is it so important?
As a former Psychology instructor and attention researcher, I can attest that people are more engaged in activities (stay on task longer, less distractible, and demonstrate more grit when working through difficult exercises) when they understand the relevance of the activity to their personal goals. Engagement and motivation are enhanced when learners grasp what will be gained by completing the assignment.
Psychology research classifies motivation into two main types: “Extrinsic Motivation” and “Intrinsic Motivation.”
- Extrinsic Motivation involves tangible rewards for engaging with the activity, such as points, prizes, money, and grades. While it is fast-acting, it tends to burn out quickly.
- Intrinsic Motivation relates to how people personally feel about the activity, such as social engagement, enjoyment, meaningfulness, and relevance to long-term goals. It is harder to generate artificially but has a longer, more sustained effect when it is achieved.
Though many students will be initially extrinsically motivated to complete an assignment (for its grade), learners are more likely to demonstrate more effort and submit a higher caliber deliverable when the assignment can tap into their intrinsic motivation. A well-written Purpose statement can assist in fostering intrinsic motivation.
When we explain the purpose of an assignment to learners, it is essential to address both the short-term benefits (e.g., practicing applying specific knowledge and skills) and the long-term benefits (e.g., preparing for future professions). By doing so, we help students see the immediate value and future relevance of their efforts, fostering both extrinsic and intrinsic motivation.
Watch:
Examples:
Weak Purpose Statement:
Assignment: Analyze a data set and write a report on your findings.
Purpose Statement: This assignment will help you understand data analysis.
Explanation: This purpose statement is too vague and does not explain why understanding data analysis is important or how it will benefit the students in the short or long term. It lacks specificity and fails to connect the assignment to the students’ broader goals or interests.
Strong Purpose Statement:
Assignment: Analyze a data set and write a report on your findings.
Purpose Statement: This assignment aims to enhance your ability to analyze real-world data using commonly used statistical methods. By completing this task, you will develop critical skills in data interpretation, statistical software proficiency, and report writing. These skills are essential for advanced coursework in statistics and highly valued in various professional fields, including business analytics, public health, and social sciences.
Explanation: This purpose statement clearly articulates the benefits of the assignment, both in the short term (developing data interpretation and statistical software skills) and in the long term (preparing for advanced coursework and professional fields). It connects the task to the students’ academic and professional goals, making the relevance of the assignment explicit.
Resources:
Note: This is article 2 of a 5-part series on Transparent Assignments.
- Quick Guide to Transparent Assignments (CTLI:MSU)