Are there proven assessment and assignment tools for better quality engagement and learning outcomes for students in higher education? Can I get research reports or published journals in relation to these?
Your question is two-folded : Firstly, formulating taught-provoking questions to create a space for students to think and reflect on the issue. To engage students, we need to deconstruct or re-conceptualise the way we assessing students. A shift on how we assess will also promote an engaged approach to stimulate student thinking. What about alternative assessment strategies? Secondly, I am not sure what you meant by "assignment methodologies". Maybe you meant something the student must demonstrate through skill -making a podcast or short video clip on a topic (related to the course unit) for other students to respond/engage.
I think you should look towards blended learning, as engagement is better promoted that way. Otherwise, gamification of the education process and the score, achievements student get there is an adequate feedback about engagement of the students. Gamification also promotes the engagement itself. See e.g.: Article GAMIFICATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION: KAZAN FEDERAL UNIVERSITY PRIMER