“Work produced by students and used by instructors for purposes of interaction and also evaluation.” (World Bank Distance Education Glossary)These may include a thesis, dissertations, essays, short answers, items submitted as web pages, projects and portfolios etc.

Issues around accessibility tend to relate to understanding what is required, time management, organisation and written language.

Student Advice

A simple guide to the ‘Stages in Writing Assignments’ from University of Wolverhampton.

For time management support, try the University of Staffordshire Assignment Survival Kit

Help with the style of academic writing can be found under the University of Middlesex’s ABC of Academic Writing and ABC of Essays.

The University of Southampton’s Learning Differences Centre has a series of Word documents on Academic Study Skills.

Staff Advice

Advice for first time tutors can be found on the First Tutors

More from the Open University about study needs related to making your teaching inclusive and the barriers that might exist for some disabled students when coping with assignments. Points to consider when marking and providing feedback.