When I created this assignment guide, I tried to be very clear about what I was looking for in the written analysis, and what aspects of the writing and style they could examine. I also tried to help them structure their initial observations and ideas by providing questions to answer and consider as they read over their paragraph.
What worked well: I felt that I clearly stated the basic areas of analysis that I would be looking for when I was grading their papers. I gave many suggestions of things to consider when doing a close reading analysis. I attempted to identify a process of analysis that the students could follow.
What did not work well: Overall, I was not as clear and explicit as I thought I was in this description. One group of students asked about a rubric for this short essay that would identify in even more detail what they would be assessed on. While most students understood what I meant by “the use of language,” there was some confusion over “sentence and paragraph structure.” I also did not explicitly state that the essays would be graded based on these elements. I also could have been clearer when explaining what was included in the “description,” “analysis,” and “interpretation” questions by including definitions and more specific questions.
How I was more transparent with this assignment: I (tried to) identify what I would be assessing with this writing. I explained to the students why they were doing this kind of analysis; it was an attempt to connect to larger unit goals of gaining an understanding of the development of the central character, and the patterns of themes and symbols that are woven throughout the novel.
How I can improve my transparency: I need to be more explicit in my written and verbal directions, which may not so much be related to transparency but to overall clarity in communication with students.
With this assignment sheet I tried to be more open and clear about my expectations for the work students should produce, and about my rationale for the essay and why this work was important.