Open Pedagogy

Renewable assignments are a key characteristic of open pedagogy because this type of assignment has value and a life beyond the individual course and semester. 

Characteristics of renewable assignments:

• Allow students to engage in meaningful work 
• Add value to the world 
• Provide a foundation of work for other students to build upon 

Traditional assignments (sometimes called "disposable assignments") are transactional in nature, where students demonstrate their mastery of the material to their instructors. 

Characteristics of traditional assignments:

• Students apply knowledge or skills gained in a limited way
• Closed feedback loop between the instructor and student
• Transactional in nature

Each of these assignment types can have a place in your classroom, but including renewable assignments in your courses can provide students with opportunities to work on assignments that add value to their communities.