Transparent teaching is an evidence-based approach to enhancing learning that helps students better understand what they are doing, why they are doing it, and how they will be evaluated. When instructors practice transparent teaching, students engage with more confidence, participate more fully, and perform at higher levels.

Making Your Teaching More Transparent

This guide offers concrete, evidence-based strategies to make your teaching more transparent. Learn how you can set clear learning objectives, use formative check-ins, clarify grading criteria, and establish community guidelines that will help your students better understand and engage with your course.

Making Your Assignment More Transparent

This guide provides simple, time-efficient, and accessible strategies for designing transparent assignments to enhance student success. Learn about the primary elements of transparent assignment design — purpose, task, and criteria — and discover methods to apply each one.

Transparent Assignment Design Guide: Part 1

Strategies for Articulating Your Purpose

This guide goes into detail about how you can help your students understand the purpose of their academic work, providing concrete strategies for you to help students understand the specific skills they will practice, the knowledge they will gain, and how they might use what they learn after college. 

Transparent Assignment Design Guide: Part 2

Strategies for Clarifying the Task

This resource details how you can provide students with a greater understanding of the steps they should take to complete an assignment or activity. When instructors provide detailed guidance, clarify expectations, and break down complex assignments, students are more likely to feel confident in their ability to tackle the work. 

Transparent Assignment Design Guide: Part 3

Strategies for Communicating the Criteria for Success

This guide provides actionable strategies for how you can make expectations visible and actionable for students. By offering clear examples and process-based rubrics, instructors help students understand how to succeed, which enhances students’ sense of competence.