This document discusses rethinking homework in light of modern technology. It questions traditional beliefs about homework, noting research shows the amount of homework positively correlates to achievement for older students but not younger ones. It advocates for homework that enhances classroom learning without causing frustration by meeting individual student needs and including a student "hook." The document suggests using technology to provide formative assessment, differentiated homework tasks, online discussions, peer review, and developing student metacognition through self-assessment and reflective writing.
2. Why and How Homework? Why give it? How do we design it? How do we make it something they want to do? http://helfantpd.wikispaces.com/
3. Typical Beliefs about Homework Serves to extend learning beyond classroom Intellectual ability is intrinsically more valuable than nonintellectual Homework teaches responsibility (or obedience?) Lots of homework is consistent with rigorous program Good teachers give HW and good students do it
4. What the Research Says? Amount of time spent on homework is positively correlated to achievement Homework appears to be more effective for older students (15+) As more variables are controlled for, + correlation is diminished There appears to be an optimum amount of HW at each grade level
5. Tenets of Learning Quality teaching matters Skills require practice Time on task matters (we might need to redefine the tasks ) Quality of task is as important as time Learning is individual Children differ in readiness and developmental level Children differ in learning styles Children differ in motivation, persistence, and organizational skills (executive function) Frustration is detrimental to motivation and desire to learn Homework that is not completed does not help learning
6. What about Grading? Once the number is attached the learning stops Grade should reflect learning not behavior
7. We must ask: Why don’t they do their homework? What is the effect on future learning? How do I meet the needs of individual learners? THERE AREN’T EASY ANSWERS!
8. Value Added HW Needs to be done to be successful Doesn’t cause frustration Enhances the classroom experience Meets each student where they are Has a student Hook No Option to Take a Zero – Must Be Done
10. Consider HW as Formative Assessment Feedback over Grading Use to determine lesson plan as much as to assess students Google Forms Moodle Forums
11. Drill and Practice Electronically Provided Feedback Quia WebAssign Moodle Schoology WolframAlpha
12. Differentiating HW Homework tasks that are too difficult are a major demotivator (Tomlinson 2003, Vatterott 2003) Diigo Graphic Organizers-MyWebspiration Note:Boring is bad too-
