Entry #10

If a teacher is going to assign homework, the homework should be purposeful, understood, something the student can feel successful with, and should allow the student the ability to show what he knows.  It should never be something that the child can not do on his own.  Practicing skills learned in class, or allowing a student to show a deeper understanding of concepts learned in class are reasonable assignments for students to complete for homework. 

When students are given homework where they are practicing skills learned in class, and are confident in their abilities at that skill the homework will be meaningful. The opposite affect occurs if students have homework that they have to struggle with and cry as the work towards completing the assignment.  Often times parents feel sorry for the kiddos and either end up doing the homework for the child or can even end up frustrated with their child's inablility to complete the assignment.  It is also important that the work be meaningful in allowing the student to show deeper understanding.  For example, having the student share connection they had to something they are reading either through writing, googledocs, or discussion with a parent will allow the child to think at a higher level than writing down the name of the book they read and how many pages. This also gives the child a choice in how the work is completed which helps to provide authenticity in the work he is doing.

Homework should be given at the appropriate level.  If a student needs it to be modified due to language acquisition level or any other reason this should occur.  Intended objectives should always match what is happening or has already happened in the classroom. For second language learners, language objectives should be set to ensure that the students are able to complete the assignment.  Especially because their parents  may not be able to help them.  Pictures along with the directions or expectations should be provided to remind the students of expectations.  Pictures should also be provided for any content in the homework to scaffold.

Feedback should be given when students are assigned homeowork.  In Hill's book Classroom Instruction that Works with English Language Learners  she comments that feedback can be given by peers or by the teacher.  There are so many ways teachers can provide feedback either in class, or even through technology. Many teachers have blogs or use Googledocs to provide feedback to their students.  These can also be used as a way for students to complete their homework and submit the assigments to their teachers.  Feedback for homework allows students to understand what they know or what they may need to continue practicing. When students struggle with something that is assigned it is important for the teacher to work with the student on the particular skill at school before having the student practice at home again.

Overall I do not feel that students should be inundated with homework.  If teachers carefully assign work to their students it can be beneficial to help them develop strong study habits.  This prepares them for later years when homework is practically an every day expectation.