In an opinion piece for eCampus News, Steven M Baule (Winona State University) discusses the importance of instructional intent statements, arguing that they refocus students on purpose over point-chasing. Specifically, Baule contends that intent statements contextualize assignment requirements and rubrics alongside broader educational goals, clarify expectations alongside feedback, and empower students to approach assignments in ways that best serve their individual learning goals. Baule thus recommends framing each assignment using three guiding questions: what skills or knowledge students will develop, how those outcomes connect to course or program goals, and why they matter for academic and professional growth. “By making educational intent explicit, instructors demonstrate respect for students as partners in the learning process rather than passive recipients of requirements,” concludes Baule.
