The Edutopia team hosts a monthly chat to talk about education practices that work. Come with your questions and tips! Find more information about the chat topics here: http://www.edutopia.org/edutopiachat.
Family Playlists transform traditional #homework by putting students in the teacher’s seat! Students practice a set of learning activities in class & then teach what they learned to a family member at home using a fun activity. #EdutopiaChat#ProtégeEffecthttps://t.co/29ne60M5XH
Family members then send meaningful feedback to the teacher. Because students teach the content, all families can participate—not just the few who know how to discuss #math or #science. PLUS Family Playlists are #mobilefriendly & multilingual! #EdutopiaChat
Hello, I’m John from Keene, New Hampshire. I’m a grade 1-2 teacher, certified principal, adjunct at @AntiochNewEng, and an @Edutopia Facilitator. #EdutopiaChat
Katie from LA, CA! ELA/SPED teacher and lawyer, Won't be saying much in the #edutopiachat tonight because I injured my finger, but I am so excited to be reading everyone's wonderful contributions.
Greetings! I’m Edutopia’s research editor, and I wrote this article to help clarify the research on homework — it’s a nuanced topic with lots of different perspectives and pros/cons. #EdutopiaChathttps://t.co/aAO27TDzEn
Hi there, #EdutopiaChat! The Learning Accelerator checking in and excited to learn about how homework is shaping up for other participants and share resources!
Greg from Virginia Beach, Virginia. I lead the ISAEP program for VBCPS. We help resilient young people earn their GED and help them map out a pathway to community college, vocational school, employment, or the military. I love my work! #EdutopiaChat
Since we’re talking about homework. My students did a homework on “what questions do you have about data that you’d like to ask our resource speaker tomorrow? #EdutopiaChat
A1: Homework will always be wrong for a handful of students — it may be too easy or too difficult, or they may not have the right support at home to finish it — so it’s good to give them other options to learn the material. #EdutopiaChat
A1 homework is right for your students if it is developmentally appropriate. If it’s used to reinforce skills and not used as a high stakes assessment. #EdutopiaChat
I have a HARD time with HW. Lessons don't always go as planned so I feel weird assigning it when I am not satisfied with how well Ss understand the topic. Really feeling like I have to assign it because my school requires it, at times. Anyone else? #EdutopiaChat
A1 Not traditional homework I teach gr.1-2 Family feedback shows Ss w/challenges (behavioral/academic) struggle with homework and families say they don’t always have ability or time to properly support. Many Ss develop anxiety over math/reading as result of homework #EdutopiaChat
A1: As a Special Educator I think that the Ss I work with especially can benefit from the review, or preview, or repetion of HW.
And also for #Math and languages I think it's key
#EdutopiaChat
Homework is right when it is accessible and meaningfully. Homework is too often assigned out of obligation as opposed to for purpose. Much like the workplace, students should complete homework if it’s necessary to executing on their obligations in the classroom. #EdutopiaChat
A1) I think it’s situational. Homework for the sake of homework helps no one. In fact, it may turn kids off entirely from the subject. Homework that is meaningful, student focused, and deepens the learning is valid and applicable. #EdutopiaChat
A1 My goals are to help Ss establish a great relationship with learning, develop a love of reading @ home, & explore math & science concepts in real world situations we can utilize in school. Traditional homework does not support those goals. #EdutopiaChat
A1. Yes! I felt the same way! A few problems are usually enough. Ss either understand and don't need more, or don't, in which case HW is useless. #EdutopiaChat
Oh, I feel you on that. I tried to convince my teachers that if I could do the first question on the first page and the last question on the last page, then clearly I knew everything in between. #EdutopiaChat
Q1. Assigning homework does not provided the teacher with a true picture of what a student is capable of doing. Often work completed at home becomes a family project for well intended parents. #edutopiachat
A1 homework that is purposeful and actually helps students. I like giving research-based homework:
Watch a video and write down three questions that you’d like to explore tomorrow. Or homework where they express themselves in different ways. #EdutopiaChat
A1 As a teacher assigning homework, it never felt good to me. However, as a parent I assign “routine” homework to my own kids - 10 minutes French Reading, 10minutes Dreambox 10 minutes instrument practice. This has created a routine and habit of learning in my home. #EdutopiaChat
A1. That’s a hard question. A lot of my students have no time or support to get homework done, so it wouldn’t serve the right purpose. Some benefit, but most would struggle and get frustrated. #EdutopiaChat
edutopia: RT YoukiTerada: edutopia A1: Homework will always be wrong for a handful of students — it may be too easy or too difficult, or they may not have the right support at home to finish it — so it’s good to give them other options to learn the material. #EdutopiaChat
edutopia: RT CriticalSkills1: A1: HW is a tool for a job. It's the right tool for some jobs but not for other. You woudn't try to change a tire with a hammer, right? #EdutopiaChat
edutopia: RT flyfish29: A1 My goals are to help Ss establish a great relationship with learning, develop a love of reading @ home, & explore math & science concepts in real world situations we can utilize in school. Traditional homework does not support those goals. #EdutopiaChat
edutopia: RT ForgeTheRoute: Q1. Assigning homework does not provided the teacher with a true picture of what a student is capable of doing. Often work completed at home becomes a family project for well intended parents. #edutopiachathttps://t.co/ey3xJrPQfw
A1. The "right" homework for students really depends upon the student. The ultimate goal should be to help students grow their understanding of concepts and provide opportunities for mastery – rather than busy work. Homework can serve as a data tool if done right. #edutopiachat
I’ve rebranded HomeWORK to HomeSHARE. Great feedback from parents AND students. Everyone enjoys it including me! Check out our class twitter feed @TheMADClass1 to see how it looks. #EdutopiaChat
In reply to
@Abaziou, @teacherforest, @TheMADClass1
Yes, I agree... I work at a very different type of school, and often homework doesn't get done, which causes Ss more stress. For those that understand the concepts, it's a waste of time. #EdutopiaChat
I think a lot of times homework is assigned without a clear "ultimate goal" in mind. It's just the done thing, you know? How different would it be if we were intentional about it?! #EdutopiaChat
I’ve rebranded HomeWORK to HomeSHARE. Great feedback from parents AND students. Everyone enjoys it including me! Check out our class twitter feed @TheMADClass1 to see how it looks. #EdutopiaChat
In reply to
@Abaziou, @teacherforest, @TheMADClass1
A1) Homework-not busy work-allows students to use tools otherwise unavailable during the school day to create a product (code an app!), deepen understanding (watch a documentary!), or strengthen a relationship (interview a relative!) and add to existing knowledge. #EdutopiaChat
A1: Homework is "right" if it's not just busy work - if it is use to practice a skill or used to complete a task that can be done individually and would save class time for discussion/review/practice of concepts/valuable feedback. #edutopiachat
A1 - homework is right only if it is meaningful and allows deeper exploration in class - if it’s busy work or relatively meaningless, it’s not right for anyone. #edutopiachat
A1. I try to assign reflection questions about what Ss have learned rather than HW which is supposed to solidify learning. This way they can bring new questions and perspectives to class the next day. #EdutopiaChat
I think a lot of times homework is assigned without a clear "ultimate goal" in mind. It's just the done thing, you know? How different would it be if we were intentional about it?! #EdutopiaChat
A1: Homework is hard for low income students. Many often struggle to get work done at home due to lack of resources and quiet space to work. Having a time for students to finish work not completed in class is crucial but know your students and where they come from. #edutopiachat
A1 here’s a realization: why give out homework if you’re not even going to check it or use it to direct the flow of your lesson? If it does not serve a purpose, scrap it! Teachers are overworked already without having to give more meaningless work to our Ss #EdutopiaChat
A1. My students do their written work in class where I can help them since more often than not parents are unable to help with French all that much. But they can always spend 5-10 minutes reviewing new words/concepts etc. #EdutopiaChat
edutopia: RT teacherforest: A1 homework is right for your students if it is developmentally appropriate. If it’s used to reinforce skills and not used as a high stakes assessment. #EdutopiaChat
edutopia: RT cherandpete: Abaziou teacherforest I’ve rebranded HomeWORK to HomeSHARE. Great feedback from parents AND students. Everyone enjoys it including me! Check out our class twitter feed TheMADClass1 to see how it looks. #EdutopiaChat
edutopia: RT smigglezz: A1: Homework is "right" if it's not just busy work - if it is use to practice a skill or used to complete a task that can be done individually and would save class time for discussion/review/practice of concepts/valuable feedback. #edutopiachat
A2 Book Nooks @ Home Goal: Make a habit of reading @ home everyday. My gr.1-2 Ss establish book nooks @ home (Ss use pillows, lights, curtains, and stuffies) They send pictures to share w/class. Families say it REALLY gets their child excited about reading at home. #EdutopiaChat
A2: Homework can help students realize that learning doesn’t just happen at school. So it should be less about getting the right answers and more about building confidence, developing good study habits, and helping students pursue their passions. #EdutopiaChat
A2. For math, reflections questions about the previous lesson. It gets Ss thinking more deeply. I love when they come back the next day with questions they hadn't thought to ask in class. #EdutopiaChat
A1 For 90% of students, homework is an effective way for students to practice what they learned outside of the building. However, the homework should be short, manageable, and intentional. #EdutopiaChat
I'm just a pre-service teacher, but being that I'll be student teaching soon I'm trying to figure out homework balance. I look forward to the insight! #EdutopiaChat
@edutopia A1. HW must be meaningful. HW can be done alone, because support may not be there due to work obligations. I try to keep HW simple yet meaningful. This year, my students reflect on what we did in school in order to remember lessons from class. #EdutopiaChat
A1: homework must have a purpose. If it is meant to drive understanding of a subject matter then yes, it necessary. However assigning hw for the sake of hw has no meaning #EdutopiaChat
A2: I asked my HS kids to have their parents tell them scary stories or urban legends from their own youth as part of an October unit on fear. It was amazing how many of them were exactly the same as the ones the kids had been telling each other. #EdutopiaChat
A2. Productive homework for my younger students would be teaching their parents new words/phrases because it helps build their confidence and encourages them to take ownership for what they learned that day. #EdutopiaChat
When I was a student productive work I understood to be helpful. I would classify it into two categories, homework to inform the next class or homework that would keep me on pace with an assignment. #EdutopiaChat
A2: I think that having some additional ways that Ss can interact with the SKILLS or CONTENT can help support.
For Characterization they learn about it in class, but then at home they can watch a couple videos and apply the S.T.E.A.L. method real quick.
#EdutopiaChat
A2 research work is always fun. Flipped learning allows students to do stuff at home that actually complements the lesson for the next day. I want students who come into my classroom tuned in and eager to find out about their burning questions. #EdutopiaChat
A2: Keep it simple, if you do not finish your classwork, it becomes your homework. This structure reaffirms the value of using your time wisely in class and puts the obligation on the student to become an effective time manager. #EdutopiaChat
Q2: One of my favorites is just having a conversation with parents or other family members of a topic we may be working on. Then, the next day we may have some discussions. It works because it's not a stressful task and students may have multiple perspectives. #EdutopiaChat
A2: I’ve asked students to find examples of what we’ve worked on outside of school. It gets them thinking about concepts in a different environment and generalizing. Added bonus is it doesn’t feel like homework for Ss. #EdutopiaChat
A2 Stuffed animal w/journal:Ss write 4 animal. Sam’s is fictional & Lion’s is non-fiction describing what stuffed animal did that night. ie:Sam went to moon on a rocket, Lion went home & made tacos. Ss love getting stuffy/journals every other week to write stories. #edutopiachat
A2 For my grad students, the homework is usually preflection on what's coming next or reflection on what they just did- applying concepts in their own contexts. #EdutopiaChat
A2 Students create a map of bedroom to use in class 2 work on area, perimeter, scale in math. or Ss create a setting for a story out of legos to bring in to have peers write story based on setting. Ss search and bring in supplies to build habitats for clay animal #EdutopiaChat
A2: I like to assign the first read-through of short stories as HW. That way, Ss are ready to re-read the material in class after having already thought about the material/developed questions. Ss learn they can still make new discoveries in the 2nd time reading. #edutopiachat
A2 I love when students finish work from that day at home. I want them to get it done during class, but I think it's a realistic picture of adulthood - sometimes you have to take stuff home! Having to complete at home helps w time management in class, too. #EdutopiaChat
edutopia: RT MrsW_csms: edutopia A1 For 90% of students, homework is an effective way for students to practice what they learned outside of the building. However, the homework should be short, manageable, and intentional. #EdutopiaChat
How does that work for kids who don't have the resources or supports they may need to do it at home, or who don't understand the content well enough to do it independently? #EdutopiaChat
A2: homework that goes beyond "A+B=C". There would be elements of critical thinking and problem embedded in real life examples, e.g. J had to buy A number of oranges for a party. She needed 2 oranges for each of her 8 guests. How many does she need to buy? #EdutopiaChat
Assignments that students share with their families are fun for younger students. While doing a dissection I ask the kids to show the pictures they take to their families and record the reactions. The students are excited to share and the parents love seeing it. #edutopiachat
Ss often make clothes, props, and take and send pictures of the stuffed animals adventures that night to share with the journal. My rule is that they must write about anything they want to share- pictures, props, or clothes or else it can’t be shared. ;) #EdutopiaChat
A2. Here's an interesting example of what LPS Richmond does for homework – students have choice in selecting what they do for homework, which typically happens in the form of an assessment with integrated learning materials. #EdutopiaChathttps://t.co/NfGIcoHJbl
Looking back, I gave too much homework as a teacher. My default mode was "give assignments," but my default should have been "no homework unless they won't master this without it." Healthier for me, far more productive for them. #edutopiachat
A2 sometimes homework does not necessarily mean accomplishing something. Sometimes homework reflections are really helpful. Like end of the day tickets using either @Padlet or @flipgrid where they think of 3 interesting takeaways of the day #EdutopiaChat
Excellent point. Students need opportunities to think critically on issue both at school and at home. Opportunities to debate and provide reasonable arguments will assist with developing the skills required by future employers. #edutopiachat
Some Ss even help their parents build structures in their rooms for the Book Nooks with 2x4’s and plywood and paint to create book nooks! More than one student has done this. #EdutopiaChat
A2. My students track the moon all year long. Moon phases is such a difficult standard to teach so tracking it allows students to observe their own real life patterns so they can make a connection and hopefully better master the content. #EdutopiaChat
That’s a great way to introduce topics or review! Easily accomplished by most students thanks to cell phones. I want to try this. Thanks! #EdutopiaChat
A2. Since LPS uses "Navigate Math," a system that allows for a personalized learning approach, students proceed at their own pace through the content, homework and assessments don't look the same for all students at the same time. #EdutopiaChat
I have to also recognize that they will likely have homework assigned by their homeroom teacher, which is why, instead of overloading them with more work, I’ve adopted the practice of letting kids work at their own pace in class, supporting them when needed. #EdutopiaChat
A2) Productive homework results in deeper knowledge than what I can provide in a clas period. Example: students identify a topic of interest, then select relevant @TEDTalks to study public speaking, argumentation, and storytelling. Both skills & knowledge addressed. #EdutopiaChat
A2. For more resources from LPS, check out their self-and peer-grading systems, which prompts students to take an in-depth look at their work and how complete their understanding may be. #EdutopiaChathttps://t.co/CHFd27zrTh
This is such a touchy subject at my school . I believe homework has value when it’s a continuation of the topic and concepts kids are learning . It should not be given if the only purpose is just to follow the tradition of giving homework to keep them busy. #edutopiachat
I agree. I think there are social justice implications as well. If all kids- and I mean ALL KIDS- aren't equally able to do the homework, then it shouldn't be assigned. #edutopiachat
edutopia: RT Kareemfarah23: A2: Keep it simple, if you do not finish your classwork, it becomes your homework. This structure reaffirms the value of using your time wisely in class and puts the obligation on the student to become an effective time manager. #EdutopiaChat
edutopia: RT smerrill777: Looking back, I gave too much homework as a teacher. My default mode was "give assignments," but my default should have been "no homework unless they won't master this without it." Healthier for me, far more productive for them. #edutopiachat
edutopia: RT BeckettHaight: A2: Homework that is differentiated is the most productive.
Not every student needs to do the same thing at the same time.
#EdutopiaChathttps://t.co/0cT81KeI0j
A3 I can’t ensure integrity of HW. Did parent complete it? Sibling? Google? Did it take 3 hours? Does S have access to Internet fact game? Does S learn during fact practice while sibling is having tantrum? I only encourage HW every child can do or seems productive #EdutopiaChat
A3: Outside of the classroom, students have such diverse experiences and levels of support that equity is challenging. One solution is to give lots of follow-up support in the classroom — use homework as a starting point for deeper learning in the classroom. #EdutopiaChat
A3: first, you have to understand the child as a whole person, in and outside the classroom. It's neither equitable nor fair to give a pile of homework to a child whose parents work late hours or multiple jobs, and may have nobody to help when they get stuck. #edutopiachat
A3 always a challenge because students have different learning needs. Ensuring students can express themselves are really helpful because you’ll come up with different thought processes and ways of doing and thinking #EdutopiaChat
A2: I love anything that helps kids build previously learned skills or anything that allows students to share their story. Again, not graded #edutopiachat
A3 I only encourage homework every child can do. Ss who are challenged academically won’t always have support @ home. Ss who are behaviorally challenged push back against the adult and often times won’t get it done without a battle. Both of these are miseducative. #EdutopiaChat
A2: i give these sort of assignments or "homework" to my kids on @DeckToys. They are more motivated to complete the study set that way and reflect their learning at the end of the lesson #EdutopiaChathttps://t.co/GSSdtIGkhM
If a student living in a tent, a car, a shelter, or foster car can't complete it, If it requires families to spend money, it shouldn't be assigned. #edutopiachat
A3: I don’t assign homework out of class often. Ss get time in class to ask questions and work with each other. Actual homework is more reflecting and do-able by self without help. #EdutopiaChat
A3 what my former school used to do is come up with a homework buffet. We give out the homework every Tuesday of the week with submission on the Monday of next week. Students work on the buffet at their own pace and we always give them options on how to answer it #EdutopiaChat
A3: A fundamental challenge with homework is that it exacerbates the structural inequities our students face. Homework is far more challenging when you don’t have an adequate space and/or resources at home that translates to a positive learning environment. #EdutopiaChat
A3. Ss clip up if they do homework, but if they don’t, there is no punishment. I relate doing HW to having a growth mindset and tell my students that it can only help them. My babies who do not do homework have other opportunities to clip up throughout the day. #EdutopiaChat
So true! If it's practice, it shouldn't be graded. My kid's soccer team doesn't start them game with points deducted for every goal they missed in practice. #edutopiachat
A3. This one begins with looking at Ss as learners who have different needs & interests. Students master different concepts at different rates, & allowing students the time they need to deepen their understanding is crucial. 1 HW assignment may not be ideal for all. #edutopiachat
Homework works when used as an extension of in-class learning & activities to reinforce skill development. It should be doable & challenging, connected to students’ notes, not overwhelming, & evident in students’ responses in future classes and projects. @edutopia#EdutopiaChat
A3: Making sure that students have the resources to complete the assignment is important. When I assign something digital, I either assign it as partner work or as something the students who don’t have internet or a chromebook can complete another way or in class #edutopiachat
Always a challenge but we’ve always informed parents to monitor their child. Hence self-regulation really becomes important and good study habits formed #edutopiachat
A3: tough question.. I wd say be mindful if a student comes up and say he/she couldnt complete the work because of lack of resources at home and figure out a better way to use class time to solve that #EdutopiaChat
A1: Homework works when used as an extension of in-class learning to reinforce skill development. It should be doable & challenging, connected to students’ notes, not overwhelming, & evident in students’ responses in future classes and projects. @edutopia#EdutopiaChat
A3: The only "homework" I give is to read, read, read. 💖 I help to ensure this is equitable by also providing students with many books to choose from and borrow. #edutopiachat
I find that a lot of my students would rather die than let on that they don't have the resources. They'd rather play "too cool" than admit they need me to provide the stuff. #edutopiachat
A3 cont this way self regulation comes into play. Parents need to model good study habits and also gives students a choice of what they want to work on and work on things independently #EdutopiaChat
A3 what my former school used to do is come up with a homework buffet. We give out the homework every Tuesday of the week with submission on the Monday of next week. Students work on the buffet at their own pace and we always give them options on how to answer it #EdutopiaChat
A3: I usually assign homework assignments that we start in class. That way, I am present in the initial stages to make sure that the students know how to do the assignment and are on task and able to complete it on their own - in case they can't get help at home. #edutopiachat
Yes! Working on work in class also allows me to address any problems multiple Ss are having and retract if needed. Much more immediate than grading hmwk another day and giving delayed feedback. #EdutopiaChat
This was also my only assigned HW as a classroom teacher. I would assign 30 minutes a night but now I would assign 10. I feel like families are busy and 10minutes is doable and reasonable most of the time. Ss of course could/would read longer. #EdutopiaChat
Productive homework is when students discuss a certain topic/ask particular questions to their family or when parents simply monitor what students have learned from school. They only need to take a simple note from that. It's less burdening and enjoyable. #EdutopiaChat
A2: Mind mapping/sketch noting= effective homework. At the end of each day we take 15 mins to reflect on everything we learned & we begin to mind map; Ss finish at home. Powerful #retrieval. You’ll never hear, « what did u learn today? » « Nothing ». I ❤️ it! #EdutopiaChat
A3: Not only does this enhance their reading skills but also provides a forum for family dialogue. For younger children, vocabularies are enriched when parents read to them, as well as, discussing richer texts with deeper concepts. #edutopiachat
A3: The only "homework" I give is to read, read, read. 💖 I help to ensure this is equitable by also providing students with many books to choose from and borrow. #edutopiachat
edutopia: RT CriticalSkills1: edutopia If a student living in a tent, a car, a shelter, or foster car can't complete it, If it requires families to spend money, it shouldn't be assigned. #edutopiachat
edutopia: RT Mrs_Gilchrist: A3: The only "homework" I give is to read, read, read. 💖 I help to ensure this is equitable by also providing students with many books to choose from and borrow. #edutopiachathttps://t.co/om0UbGuyhY
A3. Or how much practice they need. For my calculus Ss, I give Ss 15 practice problems but only assign 3-5. Ss do more if they need the extra practice, or stop at 3-5 f they get it. #EdutopiaChat
A4 if done really well, homework is effective because students come to school excited and brimming with questions. Student engagement and agency goes up because they are genuinely excited and enthusiastic to explore theirs and others ideas. #EdutopiaChat
A4 Traditional homework can often work against my instruction and frustrates many Ss. Families often are unable to support math HW or tell S’s that “new” math way is not good, just do it the way I learned in school which is often undermining my work with Ss. #EdutopiaChat
Q2: My favorite example of productive homework is when it begins in school with teacher modeling, partner practice, & student notes. That sets the stage for success to be duplicated at home. Teachers must then use HW as part of class & show value for it. @edutopia#EdutopiaChat
Yes! 🙌💗🙌 It's a wonderful way for families to connect. I've given many parent workshops on this very topic. It's powerful for the older children, too. #EdutopiaChat
A4: Homework that’s too challenging can make students feel as though they’re not smart enough, or that they don’t belong in school. But on the flip side, high-quality homework is meaningful to students, helping them find purpose in learning. #EdutopiaChat
A3) This comes down to the needs of each student and also strikes at the heart of the ? regarding the grading of homework. If homework is not graded than the opportunity for it to be more equitable and personalized to drive S learning naturally emerges. #EdutopiaChat
A4: too much overloads the Ss and creates a negative feeling abt schook. Too little and meaningless hw lead to insufficient mastery of the subject. Need to find a balance for the best outcome for the Ss wellbeing #EdutopiaChat
A4 My own child has anxiety over HW.Tears/frustration developed around learning resulting in math anxiety.Feeling anxious while learning is NOT productive. Fortunately a T told her to spend 20 min, then stop no matter how much she completed and get help the next day #EdutopiaChat
A4 homework that is purposeful and relevant gives teachers less of a headache and makes parents less stressed out. Happy homework = happy students #EdutopiaChat
A3: by creating a culture where students can tell me if they're unable to complete it, and then believing them when they do tell me. If I focus on the product (just completing it) instead of the process, then I've missed the point of HW. #EdutopiaChat
A4: All of my Ss view traditional worksheet homework as punitive. It’s always a struggle thanks to various disabilities. Reflection homework and alternative work is sometimes seen as a challenger. Hard to break the negative mindset though. #EdutopiaChat
A4. My babies come in excited to show me their HW because they get to clip up immediately. Because they do a daily reflection, they are remembering math content from the previous day which has helped their performance. This is so important for my lower babies. #EdutopiaChat
Well developed homework tasks will help students to further develop skills and knowledge that allow them to develop a positive approach to independent learning; which should further embed the values and beliefs you are instilling through your school time/ethos. #EdutopiaChat
A4: Sometimes homework is a point of frustration for students. My students this year often struggle to get their classwork done so working at home is off the table. I see higher motivation when that entire barrier is removed and they can focus on work from class #EdutopiaChat
Culture- yes. You really have to look at HW as part of the overall ecosystem of your classroom. What role does it play and how can it support the kind of community you're trying to build? #edutopiachat
A4 The child in school who struggles WITH professional learning support will likely struggle with homework in a less than ideal setting. Why subject them to that. Lets support our Ss the best we can. #EdutopiaChat
A4: Family life has become very stressful and adding homework that does not enrich the child and cannot be reflective of student achievement could be the thing that is overwhelming and produces a negative impact on learning. #edutopiachat
A4: I think a lot about the social discipline window with this. Is hwk something you’re doing TO kids or is hwk mutually decided WITH kids. Kids could be tracking progress in their learning in class and decide what more they need to practice and that could be hwk. #edutopiachat
A4. Depends on the S. Some like and need HW to feel like they are learning, and others deal with so much outside of school that HW just get in the way. I take individual situations into account when assigning HW. #EdutopiaChat
As a parent, the routine HW of 10min reading, 10min Dreambox & 10min Instrament Practice has instilled responsibility & predictably in my kids. I hope it is also supporting their Growth Mindset - as learning takes time, it just doesn’t happen without effort #EdutopiaChat
I agree. Where I'm at now most Ts only grade formatives and summatives, and many only count summatives to the final grade.
HW is just practice!
#EdutopiaChat
A4. The only work I send home rn is student selected reading and passion projects. So (ideally), it's empowering, building empathy, and giving Ss opportunities to pursue their dreams. #edutopiachat#unlockingheroes
A4: homework is to be an exciting challenge, not a punishment. If you can get Ss to start getting pumped about their newfound skills, and the homework is manageable, you can have "Oh I got this!" Instead of moans and groans when you announce the assignment. #EdutopiaChat
A3: Student needs a pencil to complete their homework? They can take one home. Student needs a pair of scissors? They can take one home. Whatever is needed, they can take home. Can’t let them take something home? Then it shouldn’t be homework. #EdutopiaChat
A4. On one hand, the right homework can engage students and give them an opportunity to construct knowledge based on what they’ve already learned. On the other, it can have a negative impact if the homework is just busy work and holds no real meaning for them. #EdutopiaChat
A4: I see too many ineffective HW practices. It has a negative impact on Ss' wellbeing. They are overly stressed either b/c they don't understand the content or they don't have resources at home. They also miss out on sleep and self-care. #edutopiachathttps://t.co/gmNg1qtP3O
A3) Homework is equitable & fair if it makes learning real. Students might read a YA novel that supplements an English Lit text, or locate a current event related to AP Bio, or find a family artifact that contextualizes American history. Quality, not quantity. #EdutopiaChat
A4: Homework has the potential to have meaningful impact only if it’s inspiring & most importantly at a level that Ss are capable of completing independently. Homework teaches discipline, reflection, ownership & I hope it ignites lots of dinner talk!#EdutopiaChat
A4: I think a lot about the social discipline window with this. Is hwk something you’re doing TO kids or is hwk mutually decided WITH kids. Kids could be tracking progress in their learning in class and decide what more they need to practice and that could be hwk. #edutopiachat
A4: I don’t give out worksheets or expect my Ss to learn anything new at home. I do expect them to take owndership of projects (PBL school), and that often means working outside of school. #EdutopiaChathttps://t.co/5GiYwYsyPG
I have moved away from homework this year in my 2nd grade class. Less pressure on families, less grading. We both have enjoyed more freed up time! #edutopiachat#homework#2ndgrade
A4 The child in school who struggles WITH professional learning support will likely struggle with homework in a less than ideal setting. Why subject them to that. Lets support our Ss the best we can. #EdutopiaChat
A4: I want to also add that not giving hwk simply because their is a belief kids can’t or won’t do it is how we continue to set low expectations for/about kids. Give the right hwk and don’t grade it but set a standard with kids that practice is important! #edutopiachat
Great idea, but how do you know what is their effort and what is a family effort. Similarly, we can't assess a student's level of independence with completing the homework. #edutopiachat
A4: I try to be mindful of the fact that many of my Ss have a lot of extra curricular activities outside of school and make HW meaningful and necessary. I also try to have long-term due dates on some assignments so Ss can complete when they have time before due date #edutopiachat
Want to really help kids?
Lets replace traditional “homework” with:
1. Eat dinner with your family
2. Read a book you love
3. Go to bed early
#EdutopiaChat | #Edchat
edutopia: RT flyfish29: A4 The child in school who struggles WITH professional learning support will likely struggle with homework in a less than ideal setting. Why subject them to that. Lets support our Ss the best we can. #EdutopiaChat
edutopia: RT DauseClause: A4. The only work I send home rn is student selected reading and passion projects. So (ideally), it's empowering, building empathy, and giving Ss opportunities to pursue their dreams. #edutopiachat#unlockingheroeshttps://t.co/mgOMRaQYwH
The only HW I assign is on projects that we have already worked on in class. Rather than loathe the idea of homework, Ss think it's fair that they should put in the additional time at home to make their work the best it can be. Building a mutual respect is key! #EdutopiaChat
A1. I have my students during 6 hours of school. I firmly believe home time is for the family, and other student interests we can’t offer in school. There is much more to learning as a kid than school, no matter how engaging class is. #edutopiachat
Q1. Assigning homework does not provided the teacher with a true picture of what a student is capable of doing. Often work completed at home becomes a family project for well intended parents. #edutopiachat
A5 I use email, Seesaw, open house & fall conferences to communicate expectations. Also, I continually talk w/Ss about learning out of school to build motivation for learning & not force it! What better way to share expectations w/parents- but to do it through Ss. #EdutopiaChat
A4. Thoughtful and intentional homework can make a positive impact on a student's approach to learning. When they're given opportunities for growth in their areas of interest instead of busy work, students have a chance to see that school can be "for them," too #edutopiachat
A5: Homework is a powerful tool to give parents a window into their child’s learning, so having clear expectations — from day 1 — is important. Some key research insights: #EdutopiaChat
A5: HW expectations should be directly communicated to parents early in the year (back to school night, if you have one, or via syllabus/email): discuss your philosophy on HW and expectations of the parents and students. Explain rationale behind your philosophy. #edutopiachat
That is a great message to instill in your children. Things worth doing require effort. Reinforcing this with a "Can Do" attitude with enhance their growth mindset. #edutopiachat
As a parent, the routine HW of 10min reading, 10min Dreambox & 10min Instrament Practice has instilled responsibility & predictably in my kids. I hope it is also supporting their Growth Mindset - as learning takes time, it just doesn’t happen without effort #EdutopiaChat
A5 Curriculum nights where families learn how to support Ss in learning to read at home. Or a math night to learn math games and ways to let the Ss experience math outside of school so they can utilize those experiences to make the math we do in school come to life #EdutopiaChat
A5: I'm not so systematic about it, but I always convey the idea that I won't ask for more than 15 to 20 minutes and that everything I ask is going to help the student grow.
#EdutopiaChat
A3: The main way to ensure equity in homework is to make sure that it is not part of Assessments of Learning, ie, evaluations. But, mastery is good. Practicing of skills is good. If homework does that. Good. Homework explicitly tied to achievement, not so good.
#EdutopiaChat
A5: Communicate them! Have a consistent way of sharing your homework. In addition, I've had success with giving parents the vocabulary, extra practice sheets, and videos that explain the main concepts, so that they are empowered to help their kids! #EdutopiaChat
A1. I have my students during 6 hours of school. I firmly believe home time is for the family, and other student interests we can’t offer in school. There is much more to learning as a kid than school, no matter how engaging class is. #edutopiachat
A5: You need to have the right mindset about kids and about hwk. If you have good intentions behind using hwk then it won’t be a hard sell (not as busy work, not graded, as practice, as a curiosity builder) Parents/families want the best for kids just like we do! #edutopiachat
A5 In our district we have opening day conferences - this a 15 minute meeting with every parent & child & classroom teacher. I would lay out my expectations at this welcome meeting. Class website and newsletter were also be good communication tools. #EdutopiaChat
We like to empower our students with their homework. We provide a blank document and allow our student to track their progress thus far throughout the year. Then we provide our students with a question bank to allow them practice what they feel they need to work on #EdutopiaChat
Providing opportunities for students to explore what they’re passionate about also makes homework more meaningful. I see this with my son, who generally despises homework, but loves exploring topics that he chooses and finds interesting. #EdutopiaChat
Q5 make your expectations clear and valuable. Explain why your assigning it. Have a space where students go for homework and have examples. #edutopiachat
A5 be clear about it. Parents would like to know what your expectations are and what outcomes your homework aims to achieve. Make your homework clear so they don’t get confused and frustrated. #EdutopiaChat
Consistency- yes. If there's routine to the homework and in your response to the homework, then they have structures they can count on. Structure helps everyone relax a bit. #edutopiachat
A5: Used the flipped classroom model for seven years. Moved to in-class flip with 5-8 videos. Students complete almost all of my work in class, including reading, answering questions, watching videos, plus we have full days of discussion & application. Explain what? #EdutopiaChat
A5 I don’t expect families to help w/academic learning-I want them to provide learning opportunities & be active in the child’s learning. I suggest math activities 2 explore:jar of coins for counting/sorting, measure for a home project, or math games like Yahtzee #EdutopiaChat
edutopia: RT YoukiTerada: A5: Homework is a powerful tool to give parents a window into their child’s learning, so having clear expectations — from day 1 — is important. Some key research insights: #EdutopiaChathttps://t.co/tXIs2N1G3Q
A5. I contact families when students are not completing homework or not doing it correctly: I simply ask: is there anything I can help you guys with in relation to homework? #EdutopiaChat
A5: Build relationships. Open up true dialogue (which includes listening!). Dialogue builds trust. And trust opens the door to building true relationships. #edutopiachathttps://t.co/7Bv59Wtn8z
A2: I like to post my anchor charts that I create with students in class on my @ClassDojo page so that students are able to explain these concepts to their parents at home. #EdutopiaChat
Absolutely agree!! Sometimes my kids come home and I have no clue why the T wanted them to do that particular piece of work and I dont even know how to guide them #EdutopiaChat
A5 I don’t expect families to help w/academic learning-I want them to provide learning opportunities & be active in the child’s learning. I suggest math activities 2 explore:jar of coins for counting/sorting, measure for a home project, or math games like Yahtzee #EdutopiaChat
Or expectations of all of our work. Put them out there for all to see. Let’s open a window on what is going on in our classrooms, not close the doors. #EdutopiaChat
I think it adds on to the idea of a collaborative learning environment- your homework is a chance for you to practice, think, and prepare for the next day. Homework is your contribution to the learning environment.
A4. The most important part of homework is reading 📚 (a book they chose). In English OR Spanish. Come back to school ready to tell a friend all about it. #edutopiachat#bilingualed#loveforreading#biliteracy
A4) Homework should encourage creativity and innovation. Students can reflect on their lived experience to prepare for a debate, or create a comic strip to synthesize key plot points in a short story, or make a movie trailer for a film adaptation of a novel we read. #EdutopiaChat
A5. Up front learning contracts that are shared with parents day one. Either by face to face conference or sent home with students. This should outline homework expectations as well as other expectations. The only daily homework I assign is 20 minutes of reading. #EdutopiaChat
A5. I send home a note at the beginning of the year with a link to one of my @Symbaloo webmixes containing useful websites for practising French and info on how to access the online @AIMLanguage portal. I also address my expectations during curriculum night. #EdutopiaChat
A5: I send home a syllabus at the beginning of the year explaining how homework works for my class. It’s also a constant talking point with parents any time we meet to discuss student work. I also call home once the grades start slipping. Constant commutation is key #EdutopiaChat
Instead of starting classes the 1st scheduled day back, our district invites families in to meet the teacher. These meetings are described as mandatory to families. Meetings are schedule during the day & into the evening to account for working families. #EdutopiaChat
A4) Homework often can be a compliance and ruin students mindsets on school. Just wanting them to comply rather than engage and apply learning #edutopiachat
A4: Homework can kill a love of learning. But so can running a marathon without training kill a love for running. Learning is life-long, multi-dimensioned, with ups and downs. If h/w is purposeful and taps into that reality, students can see its place in school #EdutopiaChat
+ in the social sciences! History textbooks are often boring (IMHO) as they include the least controversial versions of stories. Bring in the texts the tell all the sides. I tell my students it’s like when 3 students get sent to the Principal, 1 event, 3 stories. #EdutopiaChat
A1. I assign meaningful, differentiated homework. It helps parents see what their children are learning in school but is just-right so they should be able to complete independently. #EdutopiaChat#bilingualed#differentiation
A5: I believe the best way to outline expectations is to invite Families for an evening event. Ss present and explain the expectations. Teacher is the facilitator. The best way for parents to understand the expectations is to know their child REALLY understands. #EdutopiaChat
If HW seems like busy wk, detached from class activities, or not referenced/used in class, students will often stop doing it & show resistance. HW w/purpose can boost confidence, learning, skill growth, independent thinking, & more. “As a man thinketh...” @edutopia#EdutopiaChat
