Meaningful Homework

Objective

•At the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Express the purpose for homework2. Identify quality homework tasks3. Draw from a toolbox of assessment strategies

What is the purpose of HW?

Time to talk & share

Purpose

•Prelearning (Recall Prior Knowledge)

•Checking for understanding

•PRACTICE

•Processing

Purpose of homeworkExample of skill or

contentExample of homework task

Pre-learning Access prior knowledge

Complete Alphablocks chart listing everything I know about the topic

Checking for understanding

comprehension Create a concept map of the chapter. Easy differentiation, using a Circle Map.

Checking for understanding

Some hard math concept

Explain the steps, do three problems

Practice of skill Some algebra concept

Do 10 practice problems. Write two word problems for other students.

The importance of Recursive Learning (CCS)

Practice of rote memory Vocab Write flashcards. Make two piles: words I know & words I need to learn.

Processing—analysis and reflection

Tea Party Write an editorial defending or criticizing the actions of the participants of the Boston Tea Party.

Quality HW tasks

•Clear academic purpose

•Customized to promote ownership

•Instill a sense of competence

•Aesthetically pleasing

Ownership

•Allowing for choices •Offering students the opportunity to

personalize their work•Allow students to share information about

themselves or their lives•Tap emotions, feelings, or opinions about

a subject•Allow students to create products or

presentations

The Importance of Feedback

Grades are not necessary for learning, but feedback is.

Formative Feedback•During class, short trials to check to understanding: Practice

independently comes later, as homework.•Intermittent feedback on long projects (Mid-Process

assessment)•More one-on-one feedback, while other students are working•More paired work, help your neighbors, “study-buddies”•Grades are temporary; students correct mistakes after feedback – not always, but good on long-term projects

Toolbox for Assessment•Stamps & stickers•Paired grading during Bellwork•Completion check mark•Project answers during Bellwork and students correct their own HW…and then explain in writing why they got something wrong or right•Using message forums – seniors post onto Discussion Board a question about that day’s homework.•Exemplars•Visual Feedback•Color-coding/self-correction•Entry Cards (Ex: One Word Summary as HW)•Your ideas…

Diagnosis: Why HW isn’t

getting done

Academic

Organizational

Motivational

Situational

Personal

Things to Think About •How much HW is a typical Avon student assigned each night?•Ten minute rule•40-hour work week•Assign HW that doesn’t require the book•Use HW as Bellwork: Do one more thing with the HW before turning it in.•Students who didn’t do HW should remain in classroom – you had better strategies than giving a zero!•You’re working too hard; the kids are supposed to go home exhausted, not you

A Word about Vocabulary Instruction

The Concept of “Learning From Failure”

(Thank you Brittney & Kyle)

Time to Talk

•How much HW do you assign? How long do you expect it takes your students to complete?

•Do you assess for correctness or completion grade only?

•How much time do YOU spend grading HW?

Exit ticket

1. Write one idea you plan to implement in your class as a result of this Homework discussion.

2. Write one question you still have. Mrs. Rodkey will type up the questions & answers and email to all participants.