Designing Assignments with AI in Mind

Because GenAI is increasingly part of students’ academic workflows, many instructors are revisiting elements of course design to accentuate reasoning, intellectual process, and disciplinary thinking. Even modest adjustments to assignments and expectations can enhance student learning while acknowledging the evolving role of AI.
Consider these strategies as you rethink your course:

• Clarify the purpose of assignments. Explain how the work develops disciplinary habits of mind—analysis, interpretation, integration—so students understand why engaging with the process matters.
• Design for higher-order thinking. Activities that ask students to apply concepts, evaluate evidence, or connect ideas across contexts that are less susceptible to superficial AI responses.
• Make learning visible. Break larger assignments into stages—proposals, drafts, feedback cycles, and revision—to support intellectual development.
• Encourage reflection on process and tools. Brief reflections encourage students to explain their reasoning and how they used (or chose not to use) AI during their work.

Visit our latest webpage, Designing Assignments with AI in Mind, for additional strategies and examples.