This standard emphasizes the importance of communicating expectations to your students before they begin their work. The syllabus or assignment instructions should include clear grading information.

For many different types of activities or assessments, this includes both explaining the expectations for completing the assessment and providing the point value for each component of the assessment. This information can be communicated in a description, a checklist, a rubric, or in a combination of these items.

Below are some tips for specific types of activities or assessments.

• Written assignment grading instructions could include the topics or concepts that should be included, format requirements (number of pages, style guide such as APA or MLA, etc.), and requirements for reference materials (the number of references required, types of references accepted, etc.).
• Discussion grading information could include the required number of posts, expectations for the quality of posts and replies, and if course materials or outside sources should be referenced.
• Team project grading information could include if all students will receive the same grade for the project or if individual grades will be earned. This could also include a peer review and how that peer review affects the grade.
• Presentation grading information could include if the presentation must be recorded. If recorded, specify if the student’s face should be visible or if they can provide a voiceover PowerPoint. For recordings, also specify the minimum and maximum length requirements.

If you would like to collaborate with an Instructional Designer to review the grading criteria in your course, complete the Instructional Design Request form for your course.