homework, busywork & missing work an exploration of how homework relates to, inhibits, and...
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Homework, Busywork & Missing Work
an exploration of how homework relates to, inhibits, and supports learning in the
classroom
By Jeff Luttermoser
Homework 1
Homework 2
Modern Classics
Senior level literature course
Two sections, 20-25 students each
Reading The Kite Runner
Homework included out of class reading, journal response writing, and discussion development exercises
Homework Data fromModern Classics, The Kite Runner Unit:
82% of work turned in on time9% of work not turned in at all
9% of work turned in late
Reading Bel CantoNo homework was given
All writing, reading, & activities were done in class
Homework Data fromModern Classics, Bel Canto Unit:
(currently in unit)
90% of work turned in on time4% of work not turned in at all
6% of work turned in late
? Inquiries ?
What types of homework are getting done more frequently
than others?
Is there a meaningful connection between homework and what is
learned?
What happens when you make the classroom a productive space?
Alfie Kohn
1.“The negative effects of homework are well known.”
2.“The positive effects of homework are largely mythical.”
3.“More homework is being piled on children despite the absence of its value.”
“We’ve decided ahead of time that children will have
to do something every night (or several times a
week). Later on we’ll figure out what to make them do.” – Alfie Kohn
What We Can DoRethink standardized “homework policies.”
Reduce the amount.
Change the default.
Teachers assign only
what they design.
Use homework as an
opportunity to involve
students in decision-making.
Ask the students.
What Do the Students Think?
New Inquiries
Is it feasible to avoid giving homework and still accomplish all that is required of you and your students by the state standards?
Is it feasible to design different kinds of homework for different students for
different lessons?
How much authority can we give to our students regarding their own education
and growth, without doing them a disservice or misguiding them?
Resources
Bennett, Sara, and Nancy Kalish. "The Case Against Homework." The Case Against Homework. N.p., 2003. Web. 13 Apr. 2013.
Burke, Jim, and Mary Frances. Claggett. The English Teachers' Companion: A Complete Guide to Classroom, Curriculum, and the Profession. Portsmouth, NH: Boynton/Cook, 1999. Print.
Kindlon, Daniel J. Tough Times, Strong Children: Lessons from the past for Your Children's Future. New York: Miramax /Hyperion, 2003. Print.
Kohn, Alfie. The Homework Myth: Why Our Kids Get Too Much of a Bad Thing. Cambridge, Mass.: Da Capo Lifelong, 2007. Print.
Kohn, Alfie. "The Truth About Homework." The Truth About Homework. N.p., 2006. Web. 13 Apr. 2013.