Cooking Up Quality

Homework That Works!

FBISD Middle School

Conference2013-2014

Presented by:

Nancy Cowart

& Chassidy

Alade’

Essential Questions• Why don’t students do their

homework?• How can teachers increase the

probability that homework will be completed?

• What practices make homework worthwhile and effective?

• Think about how students can be successful in class before assigning work outside of class

• Evaluate the format, interest level, skill level, or time needed for students to complete homework

How can teachers increase the probability that homework will be

completed?

• Focus the assignment on learning and provide specific and timely feedback

• Consider barriers to completing the homework before assigning it

How can teachers increase the probability that homework will be

completed?

How can teachers increase the probability that homework will be

completed?Consider the Barriers:• Intellectual – too hard or long• Organizational – getting it home, getting

it done, or getting it back• Motivational – burnout, overload, too

much failure, frustration with task• Situational – unable to work at home, no

materials

Rule #1: Make it Meaningfulto Students

• Does the assignment pique student interests?

• Does it serve the curriculum and connect school and home?

• Does it open possibilities for students all along the learning continuum?

Rule #2: Make It Purposeful to Your Instruction

• Pre-Learning Activities• Practice and Repetition• Processing Activities• Check for Understanding

Rule #3: Make It “Do-Able”

• 10-20 minutes per subject per night for secondary students

• Limit the materials that students need to complete the assignments

Rule #4: Give Choices• Allow students to

choose from options that target different learning styles and interests

• Provide alternatives for students with modifications

What practices make homework worthwhile and effective?

What doesn’t work? Examples…..• Read Ch. 13 Sec. 4 in the textbook• Define the bold words in the chapter• Answer the questions at the end of the

section• Complete the front and back of the

assigned worksheet• Make a timeline of events from the

chapter

What practices make homework worthwhile and effective?

What works? Examples….• Review the impact of European exploration in the

Americas. Determine which country would win the gold, silver, and bronze medals. Be prepared to defend with facts.

• Study the key events of Napoleon’s reign in France. Create a report card for him listing grades for military leadership, handling of the economy,…etc. and support w/ facts.

• Create a Wordle of terms representing at least two types of industries studied in class OR think of a favorite store or restaurant and determine which industries are necessary to that business

A Recipe for Success: Homework MenusWhat is the Homework

Menu?The Homework Menu is a template used to assist teachers with issuing quality Homework.

The menu is designed to target all levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy and to activate Higher Order Thinking Skills.

Benefits of Using a Homework Menu:

Differentiated Activities to foster success of all groups (GT, ELLS, SpED, AP)

Allows student choice

Promotes Ownership of homework

Allows for creative synthesis

Appetizers:

Activities that reflect the learners ability to recall information which was presented. The assignment highlights the learners understanding of the material taught; allowing for recalling of facts, summarizing main ideas, and interpreting material in their own words.

Entrees:

Activities that provide the learner with an opportunity to apply ideas and analyze concepts. These assignments revolve around “powerful questioning”, requiring students to use problem solving techniques, break down concepts, or show relationships between topics covered.

Desserts:

Activities that require students to use creative thinking. These activities should allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and form opinions about the material covered. Students should be given the opportunity to create, justify, and express their own understanding.

Homework Menu Categories

Entrees:HOTS &

Analytical Questionin

g

Desserts:Enrichment

& Synthesis

Appetizers:Processing Activities

Homework Menu Activity Suggestions

Entrees: Unit Big Idea

Questions on PCG

Writing Prompts

What if…. Statements and Probes

Desserts:

GT Strategies in Textbook

Student Projects/ Hands On

Collaborative Activities

Appetizers:Processing Activities

Desserts:Enrichment &

Synthesis

Entrees:HOTS &

Analytical Questionin

g

Appetizers: Content Area FACT

Strategies

Marzano’s Strategies

PSET Strategies

Vocabulary and Literacy Practice

Sample Student Selection MenuUsing this format of a Homework Menu, teachers provide options for students to select from within the menu categories.

By Wednesday, September 02, the student will be responsible for completing: (100 points total)

Three- 10 point Appetizers:

Vocabulary Concept Map (Choose 5 words from Chapter 11, Section 3)

Venn Diagram Comparing Plant Cells and Animal cells

Plant Cell Diagram- Labeling Activity

Write 3 Plant Cell “Fact or Fiction Questions” to challenge a classmate. (Index Cards)

Due Thursday!

50 Point Entrée: In complete sentences discuss:

3 main part of a plant cell and their functions with the cell, 2 ways that plant cells differ from animal cells, 1 overall summary of what you believe is the function of a plant cell.

20 point Dessert: Create a 3D model of a plant cell using common household items.

Completion Grade

Graded for Correction , Completion, Syntax

Sample Prixe Fix MenuUsing this format of a Homework Menu, teachers pre-select menu items to assign to students.

This week the student will be responsible for completing: (100 points total)

25 point Appetizer: Vocabulary Concept Map (Choose 3 words from this week’s word list)

25 point Appetizer: Complete one sensory figure from a character in the novel

50 Point Entrée: In a well written essay, discuss how the main character’s personality traits impacted the overall plot of the story

Bonus- 10 point Dessert: Create a new cover for the novel reflecting the antagonist point of view. You may only use illustrations and the title. No additional words!!!

Completion Grade

Graded for Correction , Completion, Syntax

Due Thursday!

Remember: Homework is designed,

not just assigned!• Less is more• Not all homework is created equal• Provide students with choices• Make homework meaningful• Provide timely and specific feedback• Adequately explain homework