HOMEWORK AND PRACTICE

Classroom Instruction That Works

HOMEWORK

SUMMARY OF RESEARCH

The amount of homework assigned should increase as students get older.

Parental involvement should be kept to a minimum.

The purpose of homework should be identified and articulated.

If homework is assigned, there should be feedback.

HOW MUCH HOMEWORK IS THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF HOMEWORK?

No Clear Answer

Elementary School 30 - 40 minutes

Middle School 50 - 60 minutes

High School 120 minutes

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

Minimal Facilitate the completion of homework Research has shown some negative effects

when parents help students

THE PURPOSE OF HOMEWORK SHOULD BE IDENTIFIED AND ARTICULATED.

Practice vs

Preparation or Elaboration

IF HOMEWORK IS ASSIGNED, PROVIDE FEEDBACKThe reality is that we cannot high-quality feedback on all

homework.

Use of Homework Percentile Gain

Not graded or commented on 11

Graded only 28

Homework with teacher’s comments as feedback 30

RECOMMENDATIONS ON HOMEWORK

Communicate a Homework policy Clearly articulate the purpose and outcome Vary approaches to feedback

SAMPLE HOMEWORK POLICY FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS

Set up a place for your child to do homeworkEstablish a consistent schedule for completing homework.Encourage, motivate, and prompt your child but do not sit

and do the homework with them.If your child is completing a project, ask them what

knowledge are they applying to the project.

PRACTICE

RESEARCH ON PRACTICE

Mastering a skill requires a fair amount of focused practice.

While practicing, students should adapt and shape what they have learned.

PRACTICING SKILLS

Chart accuracy and speed Design assignments that focus on specific

elements of a complex skill or process. Plan time for students increase their

understanding of skills or processes