20-Minute Mentors
How Can You Scaffold Assignments to Promote Student Engagement All Semester Long?
In this Magna 20-Minute Mentor, Day Halsey, Senior Instructor and Online Programs Operations Coordinator at Colorado State University, shares practical strategies for structuring assignments that guide students through the learning process.

Purchase Options
How Can You Scaffold Assignments to Promote Student Engagement All Semester Long?
Assignments don’t have to be overwhelming—for you or your students. When students are left to tackle large, complex tasks all at once, it often leads to last-minute stress, subpar work, and missed learning opportunities. But what if assignments could be broken down into manageable steps that build engagement and encourage continuous improvement? By using scaffolded assignments, creative project options, and growth mindset grading, you can empower students to take ownership of their learning while reducing your grading load.
In this Magna 20-Minute Mentor, Day Halsey, Senior Instructor and Online Programs Operations Coordinator at Colorado State University, shares practical strategies for structuring assignments that guide students through the learning process. You’ll learn how to use checklists, reflection questions, and “choose your own adventure” projects to promote deeper learning and engagement. With clear instructions, timely feedback, and structured opportunities for revision, you’ll foster accountability and set students up for success. Walk away with actionable tools and materials to transform your assignments into meaningful learning experiences that reduce stress and boost outcomes all semester long.
LEARNING GOALS
After viewing this Magna 20-Minute Mentor, participants will be able to:
- Identify effective strategies for scaffolding complex assignments
- Develop clear instructions, checklists, and rubrics to support student success
- Implement scaffolded term papers to promote writing development and accountability
- Design open-ended projects that align with learning objectives and encourage creativity
- Establish growth mindset grading practices with defined timelines and feedback checkpoints
- Evaluate student progress through structured reflection and feedback integration
TOPICS COVERED
- Scaffolded term papers with checklists and reflection prompts
- “Choose your own adventure” projects for creative learning
- Detailed rubrics for open-ended projects
- Growth mindset grading with clear timelines
- Timely and constructive feedback strategies
- Structured reflection for student accountability
AUDIENCE
This program will benefit:
- Faculty (full-time and part-time)
- Instructional designers
- Teaching and learning center staff
- Department chairs and program coordinators
- Academic support specialists
- Graduate teaching assistants
Product Code: PM25HA
Campus Access License
With the purchase of the optional Campus Access License, registrants are granted a license to download the program contents to a password-protected network, server, or website for additional staff use. You will receive information on downloading the contents of the program within 3-5 business days after payment has been received by Magna.
Meet Your Presenter
More Resources
20-Minute Mentors
-
How Can AI Feedback Tools and Blended Grading Develop Growth-Minded Students?
- $39.00 – $499.00
- Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
-
Core Concepts of Quality Assessment
- $39.00 – $499.00
- Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
-
Conspicuously Human: How to be You in an AI-Driven Classroom
- $39.00 – $499.00
- Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Group Subscription Options
-
Monday Morning Mentor
- $1,049.00
- Add to cart
-
Magna Digital Library Group Subscription
- From: $1,297.00 for 1 year
- Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page