#wischat Archive

#wischat is a great way for Wisconsin educators to share teaching strategies, educational resources, and more.
Sunday December 11, 2016
8:00 PM EST
  • gunnellAP - Moderator Dec 11 @ 8:00 PM EST
    Welcome back for the latest edition of #Wischat. Since it's getting cold out there, let's heat things up with a hot button topic: Homework.
  • gunnellAP - Moderator Dec 11 @ 8:00 PM EST
    #Wischat
  • gunnellAP - Moderator Dec 11 @ 8:01 PM EST
    Please begin tonight's chat by introducing yourself and letting us know where you are joining us from tonight. #Wischat
  • gunnellAP - Moderator Dec 11 @ 8:03 PM EST
    We will be following a Q1, Q2 ... A1, A2 format. Remember to include #Wischat in all of your tweets.
  • gunnellAP - Moderator Dec 11 @ 8:04 PM EST
    Q1: What is (or what should be) the purpose of homework? #Wischat
  • mjreese Dec 11 @ 8:07 PM EST
    A1: Extra practice, formative "assessment," upgraded. #Wischat
  • PrincipalNyberg Dec 11 @ 8:07 PM EST
    Howdy #wischat I'm Brant. MS Principal from Wyoming Running late, but I blame my wife's amazing quesadillas
  • gunnellAP - Moderator Dec 11 @ 8:09 PM EST
    - Welcome to #Wischat ... tonight's topic is Homework.
    In reply to @PrincipalNyberg
  • gunnellAP - Moderator Dec 11 @ 8:09 PM EST
    - Thanks for joining us on #Wischat our topic tonight is Homework.
    In reply to @mjreese
  • gunnellAP - Moderator Dec 11 @ 8:11 PM EST
    A1: The purpose of homework should be to practice skills that have already been taught and to extend łearning. #Wischat
  • mjreese Dec 11 @ 8:11 PM EST
    Thanks. Always enjoy #wischat. Seems like everyone is digging out tonight from all of the snow.
    In reply to @gunnellAP
  • PrincipalNyberg Dec 11 @ 8:12 PM EST
    #wischat A1: I think the purpose is reinforcing those concepts taught in class. Short and sweet get's it done.
  • gunnellAP - Moderator Dec 11 @ 8:13 PM EST
    Q2: Does your school/district have a clearly defined homework policy? Should it? Why or why not? #Wischat
  • gunnellAP - Moderator Dec 11 @ 8:14 PM EST
    - Yes, of trying to catch up on work following the Packer game. #Wischat
    In reply to @mjreese
  • gunnellAP - Moderator Dec 11 @ 8:15 PM EST
    A2: We do not have a homework "policy" and I am not a big fan of "set in stone" policies. We have some general guidelines ... #Wischat
  • gunnellAP - Moderator Dec 11 @ 8:17 PM EST
    ... that define our grading practices and beliefs. I am more in favor of teacher autonomy than policy. #Wischat
  • mjreese Dec 11 @ 8:17 PM EST
    A2: Not sure if a policy is needed. I like teachers to have the ability to be flexible. #Wischat
  • PrincipalNyberg Dec 11 @ 8:17 PM EST
    #wischat A2: We do not yet, but I think we are getting closer. Our admin team is on the same page regarding homework.
  • mjreese Dec 11 @ 8:17 PM EST
    A2: In my own practice, I give very little homework. Generally only homework is when a student needs more time or is absent. #Wischat
  • gunnellAP - Moderator Dec 11 @ 8:18 PM EST
    Q3: How much should "homework" factor into a student's academic grade? #Wischat
  • mjreese Dec 11 @ 8:18 PM EST
    agreed! #wischat
    In reply to @gunnellAP
  • PrincipalNyberg Dec 11 @ 8:20 PM EST
    #wischat A3: Not at all. Our building agrees that we can't be sure who is doing the HW. Thus, you can't use it to determine S proficiency.
  • mjreese Dec 11 @ 8:20 PM EST
    A3 There should be no direct correlation, but indirectly, it may have an influence. #Wischat
  • gunnellAP - Moderator Dec 11 @ 8:21 PM EST
    A3: It really depends on how you define "homework". In general, my response would be very little, if at all. #Wischat
  • gunnellAP - Moderator Dec 11 @ 8:22 PM EST
    Q4: Is the practice of assigning homework equitable for all students?#Wischat
  • PrincipalNyberg Dec 11 @ 8:22 PM EST
    In our district, S homelives are so chaotic HW does nothing but punish them. #wischat
    • gunnellAP - Moderator Dec 11 @ 8:21 PM EST
      A3: It really depends on how you define "homework". In general, my response would be very little, if at all. #Wischat
  • gunnellAP - Moderator Dec 11 @ 8:23 PM EST
    A4: I think that this is the heart of the issue. Do all students have an equal opportunity to successfully complete the "homework"? #Wischat
  • MrPowley Dec 11 @ 8:24 PM EST
    A3 hi #wischat. hope you don't mind if I hang out and chime in... HW is a tricky thing to define and some of it might impact a grade
  • gunnellAP - Moderator Dec 11 @ 8:24 PM EST
    A4: All things being equal, are all things equal? How do you know? #Wischat
  • PrincipalNyberg Dec 11 @ 8:24 PM EST
    As usual @gunnellAP is A4: No. We are a high poverty district. HW time looks very different depending on S home. #wischat
    In reply to @gunnellAP
  • mjreese Dec 11 @ 8:25 PM EST
    A4: No... students all have different situations. Some just need to survive. HW is not their priority. Wouldn't be mine either #Wischat
  • MrPowley Dec 11 @ 8:25 PM EST
    A4 equity issues are interesting. If HW is tech based it creates issues. No internet access, homeless Ss may not ha e power or tech #wischat
  • gunnellAP - Moderator Dec 11 @ 8:25 PM EST
    - Thanks for jumping in and adding to the conversation on #Wischat
    In reply to @MrPowley
  • GZittergruen Dec 11 @ 8:25 PM EST
    A-4: Not really since it is generally not personalized to the learning needs of the individual student. #wischat
  • gunnellAP - Moderator Dec 11 @ 8:27 PM EST
    How can schools help level the playing field for students in regard to access? #Wischat
  • gunnellAP - Moderator Dec 11 @ 8:27 PM EST
    - thanks for joining in tonight on #Wischat
    In reply to @GZittergruen
  • gunnellAP - Moderator Dec 11 @ 8:29 PM EST
    I think that it starts with recognizing that there is an inequity in the first place. Institutions often overlook that fact. #Wischat
  • Chucktaft Dec 11 @ 8:30 PM EST
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  • USMSpark Dec 11 @ 8:30 PM EST
    #WisChat - looking to share your innovative ideas in Milwaukee in June? Submit your proposal for Summer Spark 17 https://t.co/yRyFXS50eQ
  • gunnellAP - Moderator Dec 11 @ 8:31 PM EST
    What do you say to educators who argue that reducing homework results in lowering the bar for students? #Wischat
  • MrPowley Dec 11 @ 8:31 PM EST
    A4 differentiation helps. Multiple paths to meet requirements. Giving plenty of lead time to due dates too. Helping meet needs #Wischat
  • Chucktaft Dec 11 @ 8:32 PM EST
    #Wischat A1-4 love to chime in a little late in the homework conundrum ...
  • MrPowley Dec 11 @ 8:33 PM EST
    #wischat HW isn't part of the standards. Also shift the burden of proof into giving HW. There have been recent studies showing /1
    In reply to @gunnellAP
  • gunnellAP - Moderator Dec 11 @ 8:33 PM EST
    - You are always welcome here on #Wischat Chuck
    In reply to @Chucktaft
  • mjreese Dec 11 @ 8:33 PM EST
    Schedule flexibility such as before/after school programming. #wischat
  • Chucktaft Dec 11 @ 8:33 PM EST
    #wischat A3 Dropped HW as a grade a few years ago - now all "learning experiences" are prep for the next class
  • Chucktaft Dec 11 @ 8:34 PM EST
    #Wischat A3 cont don't do your "learning experience"? You'll be lost, I'll know, and your learning will suffer - it's not about a grade
  • MrPowley Dec 11 @ 8:34 PM EST
    #wischat the benefits of HW are minimal and if there may be gains it may not be worth the extra effort. Justification needs /2
    In reply to @gunnellAP
  • MrPowley Dec 11 @ 8:34 PM EST
    #wischat more than just 'that's what we have always done'.
    In reply to @gunnellAP
  • mjreese Dec 11 @ 8:35 PM EST
    Most teachers will understand if you ask them who is doing the homework. Raise the bar by by giving opportunities in class. #wischat
  • Chucktaft Dec 11 @ 8:36 PM EST
    #wischat A4 HW has to be fair - should serve a purpose for all Ss - if not, make it voluntary?
  • gunnellAP - Moderator Dec 11 @ 8:36 PM EST
    Q5: Is homework necessary for łearning to occur? Does it motivate students to learn more? #Wischat
  • Chucktaft Dec 11 @ 8:37 PM EST
    #Wischat A4 for example, if a kid is a doing a research project on the New Deal, should s/he do the HW assignment about it as well?
  • mjreese Dec 11 @ 8:37 PM EST
    21st century learning is more than reading and answering questions or solving a few problems. 21st century learning is more than hw #wischat
  • PrincipalNyberg Dec 11 @ 8:38 PM EST
    #wischat A5: Absolutely. Well planned HW will not only reinforce key skills, but also spark a curiosity for Ss to want to learn more.
  • mjreese Dec 11 @ 8:38 PM EST
    Q5 I think most students (and parents) see homework as a chore rather than a learning experience. #wischat
  • Chucktaft Dec 11 @ 8:38 PM EST
    #wischat A5 I may be in a growing minority - HW can help learning - if HW is valuable, has relevance, adds to engagement, offers choice
  • MrPowley Dec 11 @ 8:40 PM EST
    #wischat I think that's what is slippery about the HW debate. Is HW just what's assigned? Does it include natural curiosity /1
    In reply to @Chucktaft
  • gunnellAP - Moderator Dec 11 @ 8:40 PM EST
    Q6: What role should parents play (if any) in terms of homework completion?#Wischat
  • MrPowley Dec 11 @ 8:40 PM EST
    #wischat caused by good lesson prep? Worksheet type HW definite low returns but the latter seems ok even hoped for
    In reply to @Chucktaft
  • mjreese Dec 11 @ 8:42 PM EST
    A5 Relevance is certainly one key. #wischat
  • PrincipalNyberg Dec 11 @ 8:42 PM EST
    #wischat A6: As with most parts of education, the more P participation the better. This is part of the "well planned" HW.
  • gunnellAP - Moderator Dec 11 @ 8:42 PM EST
    A6: I think that the role of parents is to support kids in łearning, it is certainly not to do the work for them. #Wischat
  • GZittergruen Dec 11 @ 8:42 PM EST
    A-6: Parents need to be encouraging and a positive influence on how their children prioritize and spend time!#wischat
  • MrPowley Dec 11 @ 8:43 PM EST
    #wischat I have a 1st grader w a green belt in karate & loves talking about space. There is so much I love him doing rather than wksheet HW!
    • mjreese Dec 11 @ 8:38 PM EST
      Q5 I think most students (and parents) see homework as a chore rather than a learning experience. #wischat
  • mjreese Dec 11 @ 8:43 PM EST
    A6 Parents ability plays into the inexperience. Do they have the knowledge? Are they home? #wischat
  • gunnellAP - Moderator Dec 11 @ 8:45 PM EST
    Q7: Has student access to collaborative tools fundamentally changed the concept of homework? How? #Wischat
  • mjreese Dec 11 @ 8:45 PM EST
    worksheets don't grow dendrites! @MarciaTate #wischat
    In reply to @MrPowley, @MarciaTate
  • PrincipalNyberg Dec 11 @ 8:46 PM EST
    #wischat
  • gunnellAP - Moderator Dec 11 @ 8:47 PM EST
    A7: Collaborative tools (like Google docs) can assist student in working together both inside and outside of the classroom? #Wischat
  • GZittergruen Dec 11 @ 8:47 PM EST
    A-7: Absolutely! Collaborative tools have broken down the walls of isolation in exchange for high level engagement activities!#Wischat
  • PrincipalNyberg Dec 11 @ 8:47 PM EST
    #wischat A7: Good Lord, I hope so. It's the difference between content and connection.
  • mjreese Dec 11 @ 8:47 PM EST
    A7 there are certainly positives, but it may have also increased the inequity gap. #wischat
  • MrPowley Dec 11 @ 8:48 PM EST
    A7 I think it has. My Juniors know G docs, etc. But also r masters on using SnapChat to communicate - sometimes even school stuff! #wischat
  • Chucktaft Dec 11 @ 8:48 PM EST
    #Wischat A7 not fundamentally changed in my world, but offers myriad more platforms and opps for collab
  • gunnellAP - Moderator Dec 11 @ 8:48 PM EST
    A7: Again, the issue is mainly about equity. Do all students have access to those collaborative tools at all times? #Wischat
  • Chucktaft Dec 11 @ 8:49 PM EST
    #Wischat A7interestingy, my methods students struggled w/ concept of GooDocs collab - I assumed it was pretty ubiquitous - bad assumption
  • MrPowley Dec 11 @ 8:49 PM EST
    #wischat good point. I have Ss frustrated when they can't work with a partner for my #NHD prjct. Cyber bullying has to be here too.
    In reply to @mjreese
  • Chucktaft Dec 11 @ 8:52 PM EST
    #wischat agreed - can't stand when Ss call assignments "worksheets" - but that's a problem on my end
    In reply to @MrPowley
  • gunnellAP - Moderator Dec 11 @ 8:53 PM EST
    Q8 What digital tools are being used in your school to encourage collaboration between students both inside & outside the building. #Wischat
  • PrincipalNyberg Dec 11 @ 8:53 PM EST
    #wischat A8: Leaning heavily on G-Suite.
  • mjreese Dec 11 @ 8:54 PM EST
    A8 Google Drive and Classroom have revolutionized education #wischat
  • Chucktaft Dec 11 @ 8:54 PM EST
    #wischat Ditto - but mostly docs, slides - not much with sheets of drawings yet
  • gunnellAP - Moderator Dec 11 @ 8:54 PM EST
    More and more teachers are beginning to use social media to engage kids in collaborative łearning. #Wischat
  • PrincipalNyberg Dec 11 @ 8:55 PM EST
    Sorry Apple :) #wischat
    • mjreese Dec 11 @ 8:54 PM EST
      A8 Google Drive and Classroom have revolutionized education #wischat
  • gunnellAP - Moderator Dec 11 @ 8:56 PM EST
    More and more students are using their tech skills to create content for community partners, which is really exciting. #Wischat
  • mjreese Dec 11 @ 8:57 PM EST
    I use sheets a lot more with colleagues. Am starting to use Drawing, Powtoon, and Animoto as poster alternatives. #wischat
    In reply to @Chucktaft
  • PrincipalNyberg Dec 11 @ 8:58 PM EST
    Thanks @gunnellAP for a fun #wischat. Have a wonderful week.
    In reply to @gunnellAP
  • MrPowley Dec 11 @ 8:58 PM EST
    #wischat I signed up for SnapChat to give review advice and reminders. Over 1/2 my Ss followed me by lunch!
    In reply to @gunnellAP
  • gunnellAP - Moderator Dec 11 @ 8:59 PM EST
    Technology is allowing students to engage in real world łearning experiences that fundamentally change the concept of homework. #Wischat