Do your 'Assignments Matter'? A Book Review

Eleanor Dougherty’s Assignments Matter is a great book. Assignments make up a bulk of what teachers do, and probably take for granted. We give assignments because that’s what teachers do. Dougherty shows that just giving assignments is not enough. She encourages teachers to analyze the process so they are choosing assignments that provide an authentic measure of what students know.  If you’ve ever wondered how to create assignments that truly reflect what your students know and are able to do, Assignments Matter IS the book for you. If you are accustomed to choosing assignments based on what chapter you’re on in the textbook, this book is not for you.
Assignments Matter made me question every assignment I’ve EVER given to my students. I learned the difference between an activity and an assignment. She provides a clear step-by-step process to help teachers create meaningful assignments for students.

Dougherty explains several resources available to help teachers design effective assignments. She warns that creating effective assignments is a process. I found myself stopping at several points to take notes and make immediate changes in my own classroom.

She embeds reflective activities throughout the book. There are questions to ask and tasks to complete. Every teacher, from first year teachers to veterans, can take something away from this book to enhance instruction.  A major point is to design instruction around the rubric instead of doing it the other way around. I’m definitely guilty of sometimes planning my instruction, and then coming up with an assignment to assess what I’ve taught.

Dougherty adds to the canon of research-based practices that encourage teachers to be more intentional about the work they assign. This work is a must-read for practicing teachers, instructional coaches, curriculum directors and anyone else that has a stake in the work students actually complete in the classroom.

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