Some Examples of Writing to Learn Assignments

Diagrams, charts, maps, labeled and annotated
Essays, of course
Pictures, illustrations, with explanations
Collage with explanatory text
Scrapbook with explanatory or labeling text
Powerpoint including text
Web page including text
Other multimedia with text accompaniment
Outline that accompanies oral report
Response paper/personal reflection paper
Write a questions or set of questions about the material
Answer an unanswerable question to prepare for discussion that points to the problems in posing questions this way (such as false dilemma, begging the questions, circular reasoning, false cause)
Lists of applications of a concept/principle/design (examples: How do some scientific discoveries get used for harmful purposes? Where do we see manifestations of altruism in contemporary human life? Name several species that have adapted to hostile environments.)
Top ten list
Top three list
My preferences are. . . because . . .
What I don’t understand about this concept/unit/topic/process
Choose your own assignment assignment
An example of this concept is . . ..
A problem with this analysis is . . ..
Similarities and differences assignment
Name the controversies assignment
What does the author mean versus what did you get from this reading/film, etc.
Identify layers of meaning in a phenomenon
How would a different discipline see this? Why? Which is preferable? Why?
Look up references and rate each.
Evaluate someone else’s article – decide on appropriate criteria for good or bad presentation, information, etc.
Attend an event – report on it briefly.
Take the opposite perspective from the one you are inclined to take and find good reasons for holding it.

Patricia Turrisi, Director