Mostly, it is a mixed bag of research. Some say no value and others say some value. Most would agree that the benefit becomes larger as students get older. Most would agree that homework's value comes from how purposeful the teacher is in assigning the homework. Some say that it is good for public relations because parents want to see homework.
Homework has often been the subject of debate. It is something that has always been there so we just keep giving it. So let's take a moment to consider homework practices.
Questions
- What is the purpose of homework?
- How much homework is appropriate?
- When should homework be given?
- What does research say about homework?
- In what subjects is homework effective?
- Should homework be graded? If so, how much is it worth?
- Why do you assign homework?
- How do you know students are ready for the homework?
- Is homework what you don't get done in class, or is it more intentional than that?
- Is public relations a valid reason to give homework?
Researchers and Scholars
Rick Dufour
Robert Marzano
Alfie Kohn
Rick Wormeli
Brilliant Blogger-(OK, it's just me. But I think I'm brilliant)
Homework at the Middle Level (just my opinion)
Active and Purposeful Learning
Supporting No Zeroes
Homework Grading Practices
I've told my students that I don't assign homework every night, but when I do assign homework, it's because I consider the out-of-class experience to be important and valuable, not busy work. Just like my son's kindergarten "homework" is to read every night with me, tweens and teens need multiple opportunities and times in their lives to expose themselves to certain literary experiences outside of the classroom in order to be successful. Some students would do this on their own anyway, but many wouldn't feel motivated or simply don't have the resources to do it at home on their own. If I provide motivation, resources, and incentives to read, for example, then I'm not also just helping them become grade-level or higher readers, but I'm instilling in them the direct benefit of practicing a skill, hard work, meeting deadlines, and reaching goals.
ReplyDelete-Laura Enos
November 11, 2012 7:17 PM
Here are two links to articles with differing viewpoints. Alfie Kohn makes a valid point when he discusses the triviality of some of the homework I see my daughter come home with and ASCD makes a valid point in discussing how homework, especially at the 10-12 grade range can create large effect sizes on tests scores. You be the judge, but the verdict is still out on whether this is a good practice or not...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-
leadership/mar07/vol64/num06/The-Case-For-and-Against-
Homework.aspx - ASCD article
http://www.alfiekohn.org/teaching/rethinkinghomework.htm - this one is already linked on the page, but it doesn't hurt to list it twice:)
Shelly Whitman