Welcome to #HCPSTeach. Tonight's topic is HOMEWORK. Let's enjoy a professional conversation about it for the next 60 minutes to get the bottom of how, if, when it should be used.
I'm Connie Hamilton, co-author of #HackingHomework with my dear friend @mssackstein. Thanks for joining #HCPSTeach to talk about this topic. Let's start with introductions.
Welcome to #HCPSTeach. Tonight's topic is HOMEWORK. Let's enjoy a professional conversation about it for the next 60 minutes to get the bottom of how, if, when it should be used.
A1 (that was a long time ago 🤭) ... I did as much as I could during school time ... I was a work horse in HS, but I didn’t want to do work at home #HCPSTeach
A1: as an elementary/middle school student. I did it with no complaints. I often finished at school. High school- it took me HOURS to get it done. I had no time for anything else. #hcpsteach
Justin here. HS SS in Missouri. I saw homework as a “necessary evil” as a kid. I was sure there was a good reason I had to complete it, but hated every minute of it. #HCPSTeach
As a student, I liked homework and always had it done on time, up until about 8th grade.. after that - I lacked the desire or motivation to complete the assignments I was asked to do at home.. #HCPSTeach
A1: as an elementary/middle school student. I did it with no complaints. I often finished at school. High school- it took me HOURS to get it done. I had no time for anything else. #hcpsteach
Kellie from Virginia Beach, VA- 4th grade
A1- When I was young, I loved school and doing extra work and homework. However, it was more because it was "easy!" #hcpsteach
A1: As a student, I liked homework and always had it done on time, up until about 8th grade.. after that - I lacked the desire or motivation to complete the assignments I was asked to do at home.. #HCPSTeach board
I had to sacrifice my friends. 😩 straight from school I attended lacrosse practice- because it was at school. Which was fun to me... but being with friends outside of school rarely happened. (Except on weekends) #HCPSTeach
A1: as an elementary/middle school student. I did it with no complaints. I often finished at school. High school- it took me HOURS to get it done. I had no time for anything else. #hcpsteach
A1: A student, I remember homework not being a very rudimentary experience. The sooner I finished, the faster, I can get to my other activities. #Hcpsteach
Kellie from Virginia Beach, VA- 4th grade
A1- When I was young, I loved school and doing extra work and homework. However, it was more because it was "easy!" #hcpsteach
AMEN! Now that I'm a parent of HS students, I see how the negativity around HW damages my relationships with my kids and steals valuable time I have with them. I resent HW. #HCPSTeach
I do remember the drill and kill of math facts in the 3rd and 4th grades. My parents tormented me, making me memorize those darn facts! However, memorize them I did! #hcpsteach
A1: what was awful though... you struggle with content in class... you go home to practice it- which is clearly practiced wrong bc I struggled... to get to class and are expected to succeed??? #hcpsteach
And Stacy, I hate fighting my children to do their homework when my papers to score just get a “vacation” from school (because I don’t want to do my current homework) 🤭 #HCPSTeach
In reply to
@MrsCervone_AP, @lleist77, @conniehamilton
I wonder how many teachers consider this perspective. Is writing my spelling words 10X each really more valuable than READING for enjoyment? #HCPSTeach
A1: as an elementary/middle school student. I did it with no complaints. I often finished at school. High school- it took me HOURS to get it done. I had no time for anything else. #hcpsteach
I wonder how many teachers consider this perspective. Is writing my spelling words 10X each really more valuable than READING for enjoyment? #HCPSTeach
A1: as an elementary/middle school student. I did it with no complaints. I often finished at school. High school- it took me HOURS to get it done. I had no time for anything else. #hcpsteach
A2: While I agree that learning can happen at home in many ways, it's not my opinion that it should be routinely assigned. Allow for authentic learning to occur in homes. #HCPSTeach
I've thought a lot about this. I think this is an important skill and can be reinforced at home. But as a suggestion, encouragement, and partnership with families - Not sure it should be required as HW. #HCPSTeach
I do remember the drill and kill of math facts in the 3rd and 4th grades. My parents tormented me, making me memorize those darn facts! However, memorize them I did! #hcpsteach
AMEN! Now that I'm a parent of HS students, I see how the negativity around HW damages my relationships with my kids and steals valuable time I have with them. I resent HW. #HCPSTeach
A2: Look at the learning that can result from allowing time to do things like prepare a meal together. Nightly homework might suck this time away from families. #HCPSTeach
Exactly. Picture this: Boys and girls, we ran out of time in class today because this new learning is really difficult. So - take it home and do by yourself what you couldn't do with me in the room supporting you YET. #HCPSTeach
A1: what was awful though... you struggle with content in class... you go home to practice it- which is clearly practiced wrong bc I struggled... to get to class and are expected to succeed??? #hcpsteach
A2- Required homework is what is held over a Ss head- It has to be done. Learning at home is more student choice and desire. Making student do an activity on TenMarks- homework. Opening a nightly "game" time on Quizizz for those who want to play- "choice learning: #hcpsteach
A2 Passion & choice! I love learning about new things in different ways. I had to take a course for compliance long ago & decided to read ahead - the prof & I loved the class b/c I was ready to talk! #HCPSTeach
A2: If you think this is what homework looks likes in most homes across the country - you are in LaLaLand and need a more realistic picture of what mandated, nightly HW does for family dynamics. #HCPSTeach
A2 A2 My classroom today revolves around student choice...and that includes homework. For my students, the difference is...they choose (and often want) to do it. #HCPSTeach
A2: learning at home can happen in a multitude of ways. My favorites are #STEM activities all family members can engage in; very different from required HW only one person can be a part of #HCPSteach
A2: Responsibility, time management, and organization are important skills. However, HW doesn't TEACH them, it just EXPECTS students to have them. #HCPSTeach
A2: I think learning at home is just as it sounds - related, in some way, to the authentic learning happening in the classroom.. required homework should encourage that but, I have a feeling, it is all of the different types of homework we all hated doing as kids! #HCPSTeach
A2- Required homework is what is held over a Ss head- It has to be done. Learning at home is more student choice and desire. Making student do an activity on TenMarks- homework. Opening a nightly "game" time on Quizizz for those who want to play- "choice learning: #hcpsteach
Doesn’t Learning at home also help with sts not practicing a skill wrong? It’s about their passions not about a critical skill that needs a good coach. #HCPSTeach
A2: This is an area I believe I still need to grow in. When I assign homework, I feel I need to measure its completion, accuracy, thinking and ensure students are extending their learning. If it's not assigned, I can't always measure the learning. #hcpsteach
Couldn't we partner with parents to support them in ways to build skills that some educators believe HW teaches? What if we had a parent night to help families make job boards? #HCPSTeach
I recently showed my Ss how to do memes for a book we were reading. They loved it. I offer a #sidequest challenge in @classcraft- One choice was to make a meme about homework- kids are loving it! #hcpsteach
I recently showed my Ss how to do memes for a book we were reading. They loved it. I offer a #sidequest challenge in @classcraft- One choice was to make a meme about homework- kids are loving it! #hcpsteach
A1: what was awful though... you struggle with content in class... you go home to practice it- which is clearly practiced wrong bc I struggled... to get to class and are expected to succeed??? #hcpsteach
Exactly. Picture this: Boys and girls, we ran out of time in class today because this new learning is really difficult. So - take it home and do by yourself what you couldn't do with me in the room supporting you YET. #HCPSTeach
A1: what was awful though... you struggle with content in class... you go home to practice it- which is clearly practiced wrong bc I struggled... to get to class and are expected to succeed??? #hcpsteach
Ahhhh! Her book inspired me so much- the one thing that deeply impacted me was (paraphrasing) -hw is often more a mark of compliance rather than learning- So true in secondary #hcpsteach
Sometimes what my kids are learning in school inspires them to want to learn more at home. Especially if it's relevant. My daughter had a sign language class and used it to follow a TV show. #HCPSTeach
A2: Look at the learning that can result from allowing time to do things like prepare a meal together. Nightly homework might suck this time away from families. #HCPSTeach
Couldn't we partner with parents to support them in ways to build skills that some educators believe HW teaches? What if we had a parent night to help families make job boards? #HCPSTeach
A3: Students who are not motivated by grades are not going to suddenly become inspired to do HW just because their teachers threaten a zero for not doing it. #HCPSTeach
A3: What kind of evidence does it provide to us when students don't see the value in the HW anyway. Now we're getting compliance - but not necessarily learning. #HCPSTeach
Yes. OMG where is every teacher who needs to read this right now? Please RT and share. Show the world. Education is so much better than this. #HCPSteach
A3: Students who are not motivated by grades are not going to suddenly become inspired to do HW just because their teachers threaten a zero for not doing it. #HCPSTeach
Think HW teaches responsibility? How about paid chores for young kids or employment for HS students. I hear students say that don't have time for a job b/c they have too much homework. #HCPSTeach
A3: Students who are not motivated by grades are not going to suddenly become inspired to do HW just because their teachers threaten a zero for not doing it. #HCPSTeach
A3 good sts do HMWK - but not to learn, usually to “do school” ... they are compliant ... and they probably know how to do it so it’s easy .. those who struggle don’t do it because they don’t know how (or are unsure) #HCPSTeach
A3- I hate to admit, it took me too many years to really figure this out. I'm a 27 year vet, and this year, I took @jmattmiller's advice and "Ditchthathomework I've decided that its not worth the fight with the Ss who don't do it. .#hcpsteach
A3 If you survey your ‘good’ students you will find that rarely do they need a ton of practice on a particular concept. They know what they need to work on. They should have the ability to choose to do so instead of a one size fits all approach. #HCPSTeach
A3- I hate to admit, it took me too many years to really figure this out. I'm a 27 year vet, and this year, I took @jmattmiller's advice and "Ditchthathomework I've decided that its not worth the fight with the Ss who don't do it. .#hcpsteach
Children can learn responsibility by seeing the benefits of being responsible and the consequences of not being responsible. Homework is not the best way to instill this character trait. #HCPSTeach
A3 If you survey your ‘good’ students you will find that rarely do they need a ton of practice on a particular concept. They know what they need to work on. They should have the ability to choose to do so instead of a one size fits all approach. #HCPSTeach
A3: I’ve had lots of good students who don’t complete work outside of class because of extenuating circumstances at home. Also saw “good students” copying hw at lunch, pressures of HS. #hcpsteach#ThingsThatMakeYouGoHmm
A3: Depends on the homework. Today I assigned an EdPuzzle. They watch a video and answer questions as they watch. It's a review of what we learned in class. My Ss think it's fun and it's a motivator for them to learn. I look for opportunities like this whenever I can! #hcpsteach
A3: Students who need the support that extra time with a concept provides, are likely unable to complete required homework or homework that comes from incomplete work during the lesson. #HCPSTeach
I know I am having a better year ... I too did not find this out until later in my career ... and I stumbled into it as a parent first ... my sts and I seem to get more done in class now #HCPSTeach
I admit - I've said to my HS. I know it's irrelevant, boring, and a waste of time. But just do it, get it over with, and play the homework game. #HCPSteach
A3: I’ve had lots of good students who don’t complete work outside of class because of extenuating circumstances at home. Also saw “good students” copying hw at lunch, pressures of HS. #hcpsteach#ThingsThatMakeYouGoHmm
I always gave homework because it was what had always been done. Our students are not the same as the students we were. Just because it is what we always did, doesn't mean it is what we should always do. #hcpsteach
I copied my fair share of HW when I was in school. Sure - I was motivated by grades.
Let's not confuse grades with learning.
Oops - that's another chat topic. #HCPSteach
A3: I’ve had lots of good students who don’t complete work outside of class because of extenuating circumstances at home. Also saw “good students” copying hw at lunch, pressures of HS. #hcpsteach#ThingsThatMakeYouGoHmm
A4- Disagree- Even when I gave homework, it was as a practice. Hopefully a practice with parent support. But it was not a true assessment of what Ss could do. #hcpsteach
High school is so hard now. Kids have games, get home at nine, stay up til one doing homework, and then are back at school by 7:30 am. It’s crazy to me. For what? We’re ruining their health bc we feel are “content” is so important #HCPSteach
Is this what we're trying to accomplish when assigning HW? Do secondary teachers coordinate projects/tests/etc to prevent lack of sleep and added stress to a generation of high anxiety in students? #HCPSTeach
A4 well ... if I don’t like HMWK, then can I agree or disagree? 😂 ... I disagree - have so many sts with duties & responsibilities outside of school (poverty) ... it’s not fair to penalize them when they can’t (time) or can’t (ability) #HCPSTeach
A4 - “Homework” as it is currently defined - Strongly Disagree. The work students choose to do or take part in to further their learning or achieve their goals in my class...that’s part of the process and naturally becomes part of the grade. #HCPSTeach
TRUTH - My high school daughter was given this as a HW assignment for biology. Teacher said if it's too hard, just Google the answers. WHAT?!?
#HCPSTeach
A4: I disagree that homework should be graded! It’s added pressure to an already stressful day for most kids who need positive experiences and encouragement to be #risk-takers, and who likely haven’t learned how to cope w a natural lack of understanding of new concepts #HCPSTeach
Yes ... that is another chat ... valuable one, though ... when I moved to standards-based planning, learning, & grading, my instructional practices changed ... focused on the standards not “completing the novel” #HCPSTeach
High school is so hard now. Kids have games, get home at nine, stay up til one doing homework, and then are back at school by 7:30 am. It’s crazy to me. For what? We’re ruining their health bc we feel are “content” is so important #HCPSteach
Not to say homework is beneficial, but do we think of the cognitive load that is put on students who for around 7 hours a day learn 6-7 different subjects does not put them in the same mindset as Squidward shows #hcpsteach
No, if I’m assessing my students on mastery of my content standards, I should have enough in/formal assessment data from class to assign a grade. (Part 1/2) #hcpsteach
And just a thought ... what are we doing to ourselves? Added work to score, added frustration when they don’t complete it, added stress because we think they are ... (fill in the blank) ☺️ #HCPSTeach
Is this what we're trying to accomplish when assigning HW? Do secondary teachers coordinate projects/tests/etc to prevent lack of sleep and added stress to a generation of high anxiety in students? #HCPSTeach
Yes if part of my course requires a performance task that may need to be completed outside of class as well. But that’s not usually the hw people think of/assign. (Part 2/2) #hcpsteach
HW does have a purpose, but T’s need to re-evaluate the appropriateness and effectiveness of assignments. I often ask my s’s to explain concepts we’re learning to their parents for HW. My S’s are excited to do this, & parents are able to share in their child’s learning #HCPSteach
A4: I don't think it should be graded, but I do give a grade for completion. If I'm giving homework, I want it to be a review and extension of the day's learning. #hcpsteach
A4: I wonder why it is necessary to grade homework, when we should have enough opportunities to formally and informally assess in the classroom every day #HCPSteach
A5 First, find out why. Family/life issues, other responsibilities, too much other homework, didn’t understand it, need I keep going? Almost every reason I’ve ever heard was a valid reason to NOT give homework. #HCPSTeach
A5 in all honesty ( and in my opinion ) ... re-evaluate the practice and get curious ... ask the student why ... their rationale could inspire you or break you heart #HCPSTeach
A5: Ask meaningful questions about why it wasn’t done. If it was difficult for one it could be difficult for many. Review the concept again. I give little to no homework and it is meant as practice. We go over it the next day and focus on the ‘tough’ questions. #HCPSTeach
I actually overheard one student use this in my class today (they hear me say it often). She said, “If Google can answer it, it’s not a good question for our discussion.” Made my day! #HCPSTeach
A4 pt 2. What does graded homework tell you? How well they copied it? How well their older sibling remembers it? How much better a home with internet will score than a home without? #hcpsteach
A4 pt 2. What does graded homework tell you? How well they copied it? How well their older sibling remembers it? How much better a home with internet will score than a home without? #hcpsteach
Q5 Reevaluate the work. Help the student. Have 1:1 chat with student. Don’t punish Ss for something out of their control. Reflect: Did many Ss not do it? If so, why? Same should go for Ss who did all HW, but guessed on all ?ns. #HCPSTeach
A4. I teach 3rd grade and I’ve noticed that grading projects & assignments completed at home sometimes puts my S’s on an uneven playing field. Some s’s have more parental support, access to technology or materials than others. #HCPSteach
A5: it’s on our report card as a behavior indicator. I teach kindergarten... and in all honesty (if I gave homework) I don’t see it to be their fault. Especially if the homework requires reading skills they haven’t achieved yet. #hcpsteach
A1: Ask Questions! Talk to me Ss and make them part of the process! what motivates my Ss to learn? How can I get Ss to interact with their parents? What is their favorite mode for learning? It shouldn't be a guessing game #HCPSTeach
Q4. We should only grade HW if it actually improved the quality of learning for students. If it’s just busy work, or meant as just a number, no real value happens and students will have little enthusiasm to actually get better. #hcpsteach
A6 how much coaching would sts need to be and feel successful? If the answer is any, then I don’t give it. I do offer a lot of ELP (extended learning program) for resubmissions though #HCPSTeach
A6: we should think about the impact it will have on their learning. My son’s teacher does a Flip it Friday hw. We watch a video on an upcoming topic and post a reflection. Kids can do it on Monday morning if needed. #HCPSteach
A5. In my experience if homework wasn’t done it’s because the value isn’t clearly defined, nor does the student see the true purpose. The “why” in teaching is s cornerstone of instruction. #hcpsteach
A5: Ask Questions! Talk to my Ss and make them part of the process! what motivates them to learn? How can I get Ss to interact with their parents? What is their favorite mode for learning? It shouldn't be a guessing game #HCPSTeach
