Instructional Strategies
 
 
      

Homework and Practice

from Classroom Instruction that Works Robert J. Marzano, Debra, J . Pickering, Jane E. Pollock, MCREL, 2001.

Summary of Research on Homework

  • Less homework should be assigned to younger students than to older students.
  • Parent involvement in homework should be kept to a minimum.
  • The purpose of homework should be identified and articulated.
  • If homework is assigned, it should be commented on.



Classroom Practice in Assigning Homework

  • Establish and communicate a homework policy.
  • Design homework assignments that clearly articulat the purpose and outcome.
  • Vary the approaches to providing feedback.


Summary of Research on Practice

  • Mastering a skill requires a fair amount of focused practice.
  • While practicing, students should adapt and shape what they have learned.


Classroom Practice Regarding Practicing Skills

  • Students should be encouraged to keep track of their speed and accuracy.
  • Design practice assignments that focus on specific elements of a complex skill or process.
  • Plan time for students to increase their conceptual understanding of skills or processes.


Technology Resources

Title: Homework Research and Policy (University of Minnesota)
Grade Level(s): All
Curricular Area(s): All
Description: Data show that homework accounts for about 20 percent of the total time the typical American student spends on academic tasks . . . considering this fact, it is surprising how little attention is paid to the topic of homework in teacher education.
Resources (Files, Websites, etc.):


Title: Use a spreadsheet application to chart homework speed and accuracy
Grade Level(s): All
Curricular Area(s): All
Description: Learn how to gather and then analyze real-world data from different sources, including text files, databases, and the Web.
Resources (Files, Websites, etc.):


Title: Use PDAs to beam homework assignments
Grade Level(s): All
Curricular Area(s): All
Description: The following tutorial movies at Atomic Learning will give you a good introduction to basic operations and skills in using a palmOne handheld and help you get started with many of the built-in applications. Click item 12 to discover how to beam information.
Resources (Files, Websites, etc.):


Title: Post homework assigments on teacher webpage or other student information management system
Grade Level(s): All
Curricular Area(s): All
Description:
Resources (Files, Websites, etc.):


Title: Use assistive technology devices
Grade Level(s): All
Curricular Area(s): All
Description:
Resources (Files, Websites, etc.):