How do I get started on my assignment?
If you want to get a good grade on an assignment, first you need to understand exactly what your instructor is expecting! Misinterpreting or overlooking details not only costs you marks, but prevents you from achieving the course learning outcomes. Follow these strategies to get on the right track, right from the start!
Tip 1
Read the instructions carefully and determine the right approach
Reading the instructions carefully may seem obvious, but far too often a simple instruction is missed and marks are lost unnecessarily. Note the word count or page range, formatting requirements, due date, and any instructions for submission (in Brightspace? By email? In class?). Pay attention to every word, especially verbs like “analyze,” “compare,” “discuss,” or “evaluate,” as these indicate the specific approach you need to take.
Tip 2
Consider the assignment’s purpose and place in the course
It can be easy to think of assignments as individual hurdles to complete in passing a course, but each course assessment activity’s purpose is for you to demonstrate that you’ve achieved a fundamental aspect of the course’s learning objectives, also known as “learning outcomes.”
Does your syllabus or the course calendar list the “learning outcomes” for the course? Consider how the assignment is helping you to achieve them. This will help you better align your assignment with the instructor’s expectations.
Tip 3
Clarify any questions and ambiguities
Professors appreciate when students take the initiative to ensure they’re on the right path! If any part of the assignment is unclear to you, email your instructor, visit office hours, or ask a question in class if possible. Chances are that if you have a question, other students are also confused about the same thing and will appreciate having clarification, so don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Tip 4
Get help if you need it!
There’s no gold star on your transcript for completing assignments without help. There may be some tasks you’re meant to complete on your own (take-home exams, for instance), but for most assignments it’s perfectly ok, and even a good idea, to talk about the assignment with your classmates, bounce ideas off friends or family members, and book appointments with the Centre for Academic Communication (CAC). Collaborative and participatory learning is a big part of effective learning, and we’re here to help!
To learn more about this topic and to get help
Book a free in-person or online appointment with an academic skills advisor at the Academic Skills Centre!