ABSTRACT
Having students do meta-assignments that foster their self- regulated learning skills can enhance the value of regular assignments. Meta-assignments can be designed to help students see the learning value of regular assignments and to increase their cognitive, affective, and behavioral impact. Often these wrappers give students insight into their own thinking and feelings, allowing them to realize things they would not have otherwise. In addition, meta- assignments can help students learn the course material better and consequently achieve a higher grade. The meta-assignments reviewed in this chapter have all been used and found effective. They are grouped by the type of assignment they accompany: mathematically based problems; authentic “fuzzy” problems like those posed in engaging case studies and problem-based learning problems; experiential learning formats (service-learning, fieldwork, internships, and simulations and role-plays); papers and projects; and student portfolios at the course level.
