Homework Rationale (Entry #10)

     As a third grade teacher, I do not view homework as an integral piece of assessment or instruction.  However, I do believe it has a purpose and a place.  The purpose of homework is for students to build proficiency with specific skills.  It should be review or practice of skills students already know, not new material.  Homework should also include meaningful tasks for the students, rather than just memorization.  "The best kind deepens student understanding and builds essential skills" (Vatterott, 2010, p.10). The intended objectives of the homework I assign are to practice the skills we are working on in class or have previously studied (math skills, reading comprehension strategies, writing in a particular genre), and to build study habits.  I want my third grade students to develop responsibility and a sense of ownership in their education.  Providing nightly homework and showing the importance of practice helps students see their effort in their school work can make a difference in their performance.
     Meaningful homework should consist of either review or practice of what the students already know.  It should be at an appropriate level for students (including differentiated assignments based on language acquisition and instructional level).  It is important that homework has a clear purpose and clear directions.  The students should be able to complete homework assignments with minimal assistance from parents.  In fact, too much parental involvement has been found to actually hinder student learning.  Parents should be available to make sure homework is completed, but not have to teach new material or complete tasks for their children (Balli, 1998; Balli, Demo, & Wedman, 1997; Perkins & Milgram, 1996).
     Immediate and specific feedback on homework is also very important.  Students, especially ELLs, need to know the mistakes they are making on their homework in order to correct those errors and not repeat the mistakes.  If feedback takes too long, students no longer see the importance or meaning of the assignment.  It is suggested that feedback be more than just a grade.  It must also include specific comments for each student.  Feedback does not always have to come from a teacher, though.  Peer feedback can provide strong examples and suggestions that students can learn from.
     Technology can be a useful tool when assigning homework.  In my classroom, I like to provide a sample of proficient homework (of our weekly reading task) on the third grade page of our school's website.  This gives parents an idea of what their child should be accomplishing.  I also like to provide possible homework activities at various websites.  Most frequently, I include activities on MyOn.com, spellingcity.com, or the Everyday Math games online.  However, many of my students do not have Internet access at home, so these are always additional options, not mandatory tasks.
     Homework is a great way to encourage students to practice skills at home and build responsibility.  It has to be meaningful and appropriately assigned for students' levels in order for it to be successful.

Resources

Hill, J.D. & Flynn, K.M.  (2006).  Classroom instruction that works with English language learners.  Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Researched-based strategies- Homework and practice.  (2005).  Portland, OR: Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory.

Vatterott, C.  (2010).  Giving students meaningful work: Five hallmarks of good homework.  Educational Leadership, 68,      10-15.