Entry #10 Homework

Why give homework to elementary students?
 Homework is as equally important as the instruction and planning that makes up a regular school day.
 Research indicates that homework offers the needed independent practice required to become proficient in a given area (Classroom Instruction that Works with English Language Learners, Flynn & Hill, 2006).
 Students need multiple opportunities to practice skills and apply knowledge in different ways. (I believe teacher’s should understand and use Bloom’s Taxonomy to offer a variety of learning experiences for the students. The transfer of information in this way seems to be a skill that is lacking in many of our students.)
 Homework is most meaningful when it reflects the academic language used at school, extends the student’s understanding, or reviews information for mastery.
What should be the intended homework objectives?
 Students should complete homework independently with only some parent assistance.
 Students should complete homework on time with few errors.
 Students should ask questions to clarify homework so that it may be completed proficiently.
 Student should take responsibility for the presentation of their homework (penmanship, condition of the papers upon return, etc.)
Feedback
 Teacher feedback is essential to assure that expectations are met.
 Teachers should recognize completed papers, correct papers, and effort.
 Teachers should always grade or write comments on student’s homework so the student knows that the task is important to the teacher and to the students learning.
Challenges
 Giving continuous and timely feedback
 Differentiating for each learner to meet objectives
 Dealing with students that do not have the resources or materials to complete homework at home.
 Dealing with students that refuse to do homework or parents that refuse to support the completion of homework.
 Creating a homework structure that ELLs and struggling students can complete independently while still holding the students to state standards.