Writing Assignments That Provide Evidence of Student Transferable Skills

Program Abstract:: Transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem solving are frequently cited as important outcomes for STEM degree programs. However, these skills are not always explicitly developed during typical coursework. Recent research on process-rich exam questions has shown that it is not enough to provide assignments that cause students to use particular transferable skills; questions and tasks must compel students to reveal use of these skills in their written work or group interactions. The goal of this workshop is to provide participants with strategies, practice, and feedback in writing these skill-rich questions and assignments, using inclusive language. Feedback-focused rubrics will be used to support efforts in writing assignment questions that facilitate development of transferable skills such as teamwork, information processing, and critical thinking.