Open Pedagogy Toolkit: Module 3

Benefits for Students

Deeper Learning and Engagement

Renewable assignments foster authentic learning experiences by connecting academic work to real-world audiences and contexts. Students report higher levels of motivation, interest, and pride in their work when it has value beyond the classroom (Clinton-Lisell & Gwozdz, 2023). Some examples include creating a textbook for students to use, creating syllabi and sharing openly for current and future teachers, or creating zines to educate others on ethics and AI use.

Equity and Inclusion

Renewable assignments support equity by allowing students to represent their identities and experiences in their work. One example is students in a class at Case Western Reserve University contributing to Wikipedia to expand coverage of women who have made significant contributions in STEM fields. Public sharing of student work can amplify diverse voices and perspectives, contributing to inclusive educational environments (Paskevicius & Irvine, 2019).

Supports Student Motivation

Renewable assignments align with Self-Determination Theory (SDT), which emphasizes autonomy, competence, and relatedness as key drivers of more internalized forms of motivation. Autonomy is the sense of choice in the class, competence is the desire to feel effective and capable, and relatedness is the need to feel connected to others. Internal motivation increases when those three needs are met. Students engaged in renewable assignments report a greater sense of autonomy and competence, especially when they choose to share their work publicly (Werth & Williams, 2021).