Homework: Huhh, What is it Good For? Absolutely...

What is it good for?
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

The Grading Game

Beginning the Conversation-Answer any question in the comment section.  Also, from 10/27/12 through 11/1/12, you can answer questions on the right side of this blog post.

• 
• What does a grade mean?
• When a mom looks at a grade and sees that her daughter has an A, what does that tell her? As an example, does a student on Team 5A and Team 5B have the same expectation for what an "A" grade means in Science?
• Should a grade reflect mastery of concepts/standards?
• What is the purpose of homework?  Is homework assessment or practice?
• Should hard work and responsibility (behavior) be reflected in a student's grade?
• How should extra credit be used to assess students?
• How can I set up my classes to insure that I am assessing students academic performance?

Some Stuff From a Brilliant Blogger-(OK, not really, it's just from Brentcudly.blogspot.com)

Homework Grading Practices

Homework at the Middle Level

Supporting No Zeroes

Real Researchers and Experts in Grading-If you find articles from these researchers or others, please share on twitter using #58connect.  Click on the researchers name for a YouTube video.

• Ken O'Conner
• Rick Wormeli
• Robert Marzano
• Doug Reeves