Stressed Out! Homework (Part 2: Quality)

In my last post, Homework (Part 1: Quantity), I discussed how homework can stress out students and families and suggested a standard to limit the quantity of homework given to students each night. (1 min of homework per grade for each subject). For example ...

6th grade -- 6 min of hmwk per subject (6 subjects) = 36 min of hmwk per night
10th grade -- 10 min of hmwk per subject (6 subjects) = 60 min of hmwk per night

The Homework Debate -- What Kind?

Excessive homework causes stress; pointless homework also causes stress. However, limited and purposeful homework can motivate students and encourage learning. Here are three categories of homework that have the potential to promote learning.

Practice -- We all know the adage that "practice makes perfect" and that practice leads to mastery. So, in order for our students to gain mastery, they need time to practice. Additionally, what a powerful life lesson ... it takes work (often after hours) to succeed in life. Interestingly, another statistic being used is from Gladwell's research stating it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert at something (Outliers, 2008). Please do not misunderstand my reference ... I am NOT saying to give 10,000 hours of homework! But the lesson is clear, extra practice is needed for mastery. In school, a limited amount of homework can help develop those habits of success.

Motivation -- Homework should also be used to motivate students for learning and pique their interest so that they are excited about what they will be learning the next day in school. Unfortunately, educators don't utilize anticipatory sets or lesson hooks in homework as much as they could. We need to remember how powerful cognitive dissonance is in motivation and learning theory. A challenge question, video clip, or a thought-provoking quote are excellent ways to motivate students to learn. How great would it be if student come to class eager to discuss, find out the answer, or express their opinions about their homework rather than just turn it in for a grade.

Differentiation -- Homework can also be used to differentiate and re-teach concepts to solidify understanding. Teachers do not have the time to differentiate enough to teach every student in his/her learning style, so they should use homework to differentiate (please don't use homework to do more of the same as what you've done in class). For many students, having material re-taught from a different method really solidifies learning. Thankfully, we have had an explosion in educational technology providing so many free online resources for re-teaching. Teachers should use these resources as homework to differentiate instruction. Of course, Khan Academy is the well-known resource, but there are so many other websites that utilize technology to provide a more differentiated approach.

If homework is regularly accomplishing the above objectives (in a limited time), students and families will begin to see homework positively, something to promote learning rather than just cause stress.