Writing and Thinking Through the Student User's Guide Assignment

Note: Ashley Hutchinson co-wrote this post with social studies teacher Stephanie Noles and instructional coach Mike Flinchbaugh, both of whom are her colleagues at J.H. Rose High School in Greenville, North Carolina. Stephanie was having one of those days when everything she thought she knew about working with young adults seemed miscalibrated -- when tempers flared without cause and student motivation disappeared despite her careful planning. That was the day we decided our students should come with written instructions. Although a bit odd, the assignment we created is relatively simple: write a user's guide that explains to your users -- classmates and teachers -- how to work with you. The user's guide gives students a voice in determining how teachers and peers understand and relate to them. Motivate them when they're lethargicCalm them when they're fumingCoach them when they’re struggling This is a practical product written for a real audience. Modeling the Process (Ashley) Related: