Commonalities: Making Assignments Work
Create assignments that overlap and build upon one another
Break up assignments into smaller steps (avoid the single mid-term/final research paper assignment)
Give specific goals for the assignment, and model the process
Teach information literacy skills specific to the disciplinary perspectives
Bring results from assignments into classroom discussions and presentations
From the assignments, students learn both the content and process
Engage students in shaping the assignment; this will help them to construct their knowledge
Make sure students understand the purpose of the assignment
Create assignments that go beyond classroom boundaries
Remember that technology is only a tool, and one of many
Discuss and practice the ethical use of materials in all formats
Don't take student skills for granted, particularly critical reading