How-To Article
- Grade Levels K - 2
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Making the Most of Homework
Read more about how you can ensure your students are getting the most from their homework assignments.
How can teachers get the most out of the assignments they send how with their students? By assigning appropriate kinds of homework and making sure students have the necessary support to complete it, teachers can increase the value of time students put in to their studies outside of school hours.
Appropriate Uses
There are many valid reasons for teachers to assign homework to students. Appropriate homework assignments create opportunities for students to
- review and practice concepts and skills
- prepare for complex or difficult lessons
- explores topics in depth
- reflect on prior learning
- enhance and supplement learning
- complete labor-intensive projects
Four Types of Homework
As teachers determine what amount of homework is appropriate for their class, they must evaluate the purpose of all homework assignments. Generally, homework falls into four broad categories of learning.
As teachers determine what amount of homework is appropriate for their class, they must evaluate the purpose of all homework assignments. Generally, homework falls into four broad categories of learning.
- Practice
- Preparation
- Extension (applying skills to a new situation)
- Integration (applying many different skills and knowledge sets to a task)
Tips for Assigning Homework
Once teachers have determined the type of homework to assign, thought should be given to ways to maximize the benefits to be gained from the assignment. Consider the following:
- Length. Evaluate the length of the assignment with care. Consider following the rule that no more than 10 minutes per grade level total per night should be assigned, e.g., 90 minutes for 9th graders. This means you will need to consider other classes students are taking. High school students should have no more than 2 hours per night.
- Purpose/Value. Design activities that have meaning and support classroom learning. Make sure students have the necessary background or skills before assigning something new. Communicate the purpose of homework to students.
- Direction. Provide clear directions on how students should complete assignments, how they will be graded, and when they are due. Verbal instructions are not sufficient and should be accompanied by something written.
- Appropriateness. Match assignment tasks to students' abilities and interests. Giving students options or choices with regards to homework allows them to take ownership of the work.
- Variety. Keep students engaged by assigning a variety of different types of homework. Practice sheets for skills should be limited; consider accompanying practice with an activity thtat extends learning to higher order thinking skills.
- Balance. Assign a balance of both short- and long-range assignments. Long-range assignments should be broken into phases that require the student to submit a draft or written documentation of the work. This allows teachers to monitor progress and helps students prevent procrastination.
- Feedback. Provide feedback to students on their homework as soon as possible.
Homework Considerations
There are also valid reasons for teachers and schools to consider limiting homework. Like adults, students require a balance between family, school, and extra-curricular activities. The following reasons might contribute to the decision to limit or eliminate homework.
- Not all students have a supportive home environment in which to complete assignments.
- "Busy work" is often assigned as homework with no clear purpose or value.
- Students are often overloaded with extra-curricular activities and part-time jobs, resulting in stress and fatigue.
- Commuting time to and from school cuts into available time for out-of-school activities.
- Time for family and leisure activities is compromised.
Thorough, goal-oriented planning will help teachers justify the reasons for homework and the type of homework that is of most benefit to the students. With these purposes in mind, as well as forethought and planning, homework can be a useful learning tool without encumbering student and family time.
Read more about it…
Teen Ink
On this teen-produced Web site, a young author expresses her opinion against homework.
Homework: Too Much of a Good Thing?
MSN Encarta
This Encarta article presents supports for reasonable homework and counterpoints against homework.
A Study of Three Cultures:
Germany, Japan, and the United States
Phi Delta Kappa International Online Edition
The widely-published results of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study showcased the differences in achievement levels among students in 41 different countries. The author of this article investigates and discusses the research, including the misunderstanding of the definition of homework.
Read more about it…
Teen Ink
On this teen-produced Web site, a young author expresses her opinion against homework.
Homework: Too Much of a Good Thing?
MSN Encarta
This Encarta article presents supports for reasonable homework and counterpoints against homework.
A Study of Three Cultures:
Germany, Japan, and the United States
Phi Delta Kappa International Online Edition
The widely-published results of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study showcased the differences in achievement levels among students in 41 different countries. The author of this article investigates and discusses the research, including the misunderstanding of the definition of homework.
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