Among teachers, the topic of homework produces a variety of responses. Some fully embrace homework for students and regale its benefits, while others offer emphatic opposition and note all of the possible negatives. The most rational approach is likely somewhere between the two extremes, noting that homework does come with challenges but offers some benefits as well.
Homework can be used to provide a formative snapshot regarding student progress. In the book Classroom Assessment Essentials, author Susan M. Brookhart shares the following suggestions for using homework as a formative check point (pp. 60-65):
- Set the purpose for homework. Homework can be used for pre-learning, diagnosis, checking for understanding, practice, and processing. Make sure you know the goals for the homework assignment, and make sure the students know the goals for the homework assignment.
- Employ high-quality tasks and design strategies for homework. Homework should be effective in its purpose and actively move the student toward a goal. It should be brief and differentiated.
- Provide feedback. Give students quality feedback that can be used to further their learning. Employ a variety of feedback mechanisms, such as whole group feedback, individual feedback, and peer-to-peer feedback.
- Use the results of homework. Be overt in linking goals and instruction to the homework after you have reviewed it. Students who regularly see and hear a response to homework are more likely to participate in homework again and again. Maximize the value and let students know how their homework responses are shaping your teaching.
As you prepare for next week, think about how you might use homework to help your students learn more and how you might use homework in a formative manner. You and your students will be glad you did!
Phil Harrison Coaching 