HOMEWORK AND PRACTICE Classroom Instruction That Works

HOMEWORK

SUMMARY OF RESEARCH The amount of homework assigned should increase as students get older. Parental involvement should be kept to a minimum. The purpose of homework should be identified and articulated. If homework is assigned, there should be feedback.

The amount of homework assigned should increase as students get older.

Parental involvement should be kept to a minimum.

The purpose of homework should be identified and articulated.

If homework is assigned, there should be feedback.

HOW MUCH HOMEWORK IS THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF HOMEWORK? No Clear Answer Elementary School 30 - 40 minutes Middle School 50 - 60 minutes High School 120 minutes

No Clear Answer

Elementary School 30 - 40 minutes

Middle School 50 - 60 minutes

High School 120 minutes

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT Minimal Facilitate the completion of homework Research has shown some negative effects when parents help students

Minimal

Facilitate the completion of homework

Research has shown some negative effects when parents help students

THE PURPOSE OF HOMEWORK SHOULD BE IDENTIFIED AND ARTICULATED. Practice vs Preparation or Elaboration

Practice

vs

Preparation or Elaboration

IF HOMEWORK IS ASSIGNED, PROVIDE FEEDBACK The reality is that we cannot high-quality feedback on all homework. Use of Homework Percentile Gain Not graded or commented on 11 Graded only 28 Homework with teacher’s comments as feedback 30

The reality is that we cannot high-quality feedback on all homework.

RECOMMENDATIONS ON HOMEWORK Communicate a Homework policy Clearly articulate the purpose and outcome Vary approaches to feedback

Communicate a Homework policy

Clearly articulate the purpose and outcome

Vary approaches to feedback

SAMPLE HOMEWORK POLICY FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS Set up a place for your child to do homework Establish a consistent schedule for completing homework. Encourage, motivate, and prompt your child but do not sit and do the homework with them. If your child is completing a project, ask them what knowledge are they applying to the project.

Set up a place for your child to do homework

Establish a consistent schedule for completing homework.

Encourage, motivate, and prompt your child but do not sit and do the homework with them.

If your child is completing a project, ask them what knowledge are they applying to the project.

PRACTICE

RESEARCH ON PRACTICE Mastering a skill requires a fair amount of focused practice. While practicing, students should adapt and shape what they have learned .

Mastering a skill requires a fair amount of focused practice.

While practicing, students should adapt and shape what they have learned .

PRACTICING SKILLS Chart accuracy and speed Design assignments that focus on specific elements of a complex skill or process. Plan time for students increase their understanding of skills or processes

Chart accuracy and speed

Design assignments that focus on specific elements of a complex skill or process.

Plan time for students increase their understanding of skills or processes