If you want to use your instruction period as efficiently as possible, you might consider giving your students one or more preparatory assignments. This Education Tip explains how to motivate your students to come to class prepared.  

Tips to Get Students to Prepare 

Explain the Importance of Being Prepared  

Make sure they understand the added value of being prepared. Tell them how you will use and work with the preparatory assignments during class.  

Formulate Clear Expectations 

Make sure the assignment instructions are clear. Do you want students to prepare questions and bring them to class? Do you want them to share a reflection via Ufora? Or something else altogether?  

• Specify the objectives of the assignment. 

• Inform students of the content-related requirements and formal guidelines: style, structure, linguistic form, reference style, etc. Consider including good practices from similar exercises.  

• Detail the practical arrangements, such as timing and preconditions, individual or group assignments, etc. If you opt for a group assignment, clearly define the division of responsibilities in advance.    

Show Enthusiasm and Incite Curiosity 

Come up with a fun teaser to accompany the assignment. Incite your students' curiosity by showing them where their efforts may lead.  

Do Not Yield to Students who Arrive Unprepared 

Be consistent and emphasise the importance of being prepared. Delve into the learning content as planned. This way, you will endorse the students who did the assignment. If not, they might become discouraged and stop preparing.  

Talk to the Students who Came Unprepared  

Always verify why they did not complete the assignment. Are there too many assignments at a specific time in the study programme? Was the assignment unclear? Do students not see the added value of the preparatory assignment?