Creating Effective Assignments in Connect: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 11/06/2025

Maximize student engagement and learning outcomes with effectively designed Connect assignments. This step-by-step guide provides practical strategies for creating assignments that are clear, concise, and aligned with learning objectives. Learn how to leverage Connect's features to build assessments that promote critical thinking, encourage active learning, and provide valuable feedback, ultimately enhancing the overall learning experience.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Access Assignments

    • Access the Assignments Tab in Connect.
    Access the Assignments Tab in Connect.
    Access Assignments

  2. Select Assignment Content

    • Select content aligned with course goals from the textbook table of contents or course-wide content.
    • Select content from multiple chapters as needed, using 'select a different question source' or 'return to table of contents'.
    Select content from multiple chapters as needed, using 'select a different question source' or 'return to table of contents'. Select content from multiple chapters as needed, using 'select a different question source' or 'return to table of contents'.
    Select Assignment Content

  3. Filter and Preview Questions

    • Filter available questions by question type, difficulty, learning objective, topic, etc.
    • Preview questions before adding them. Use the blue arrows to navigate or the list view to toggle between list and individual question views.
    Preview questions before adding them. Use the blue arrows to navigate or the list view to toggle between list and individual question views. Preview questions before adding them. Use the blue arrows to navigate or the list view to toggle between list and individual question views.
    Filter and Preview Questions

  4. Add Questions to Assignment

    • Add individual questions or create question pools for randomization. Use the 'Add this question' button or check boxes and 'ADD checked questions' option.
    Add individual questions or create question pools for randomization. Use the 'Add this question' button or check boxes and 'ADD checked questions' option.
    Add Questions to Assignment

  5. Configure Question Pools

    • Choose a pool name, number of questions to draw, points per question.
    Configure question pools: Choose a pool name, number of questions to draw, points per question.
    Configure Question Pools

  6. Organize and Refine Assignment

    • Adjust point values, reorganize questions using drag-and-drop, or delete questions. Remember changes can't be made after students start working.
    Organize the assignment: Adjust point values, reorganize questions using drag-and-drop, or delete questions. Remember changes can't be made after students start working.
    Organize and Refine Assignment

  7. Name Assignment

    • Rename the assignment using a consistent naming convention (e.g., Week 1 Quiz).
    Rename the assignment using a consistent naming convention (e.g., Week 1 Quiz).
    Name Assignment

  8. Proceed to Policy Settings

    • Proceed to policy settings.
    Proceed to policy settings.
    Proceed to Policy Settings
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Tips

  • Align assignment content with course goals.
  • Use question pools for summative assignments to reduce academic dishonesty.
  • Use consistent naming conventions for easy navigation.
  • Do not use the back arrow on your browser to navigate. Use the provided navigation within Connect.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Poorly Defined Instructions

Reason: Ambiguous or unclear instructions lead to student confusion and frustration, resulting in incomplete or inaccurate submissions.
Solution: Use clear, concise language and provide specific examples to illustrate expectations.

2. Insufficient Feedback Mechanisms

Reason: Assignments lacking feedback opportunities hinder student learning and improvement. Students may not understand their mistakes or areas for growth.
Solution: Incorporate opportunities for self-assessment, peer review, and/or instructor feedback within the assignment design.

FAQs

How can I ensure my Connect assignments accurately reflect my learning objectives?
Carefully align each assignment's questions and tasks with the specific learning outcomes you've defined for your course. Use Connect's question banks and features to create assessments that directly test students' understanding of key concepts and skills.
What are some best practices for providing effective feedback in Connect?
Utilize Connect's automated feedback features, but also supplement with personalized comments. Focus on both the correctness of answers and the student's reasoning process. Offer specific suggestions for improvement and point them towards relevant course materials.
How can I prevent cheating on Connect assignments?
Implement a variety of question types to discourage rote memorization. Use features like randomized questions and timed assessments. Clearly communicate your academic integrity policies and the consequences of cheating. Consider using Connect's plagiarism detection tools if available.