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Homework has traditionally been used within class as an opportunity for practicing material covered within class. It provides the teacher formative feedback on how students have understood the material and allows students to go over material from the day to build off their frame of reference. Wiggins and McTighe (2012) use classwork and homework as a way to transfer knowledge and apply knowledge to new material to create continuity of the context. Homework and classwork have the same purpose as providing activities and examples for students with guidance from the teacher and the peers in the class. Work within the classroom can be used as an opportunity to develop higher level thinking on material through problem-solving activities, projects, and collaboration activities with peers that can vary from being a focus on the teacher to the focus on the student.
Classwork can be effectively used within class to create more student centered learning through learning centers, collaboration with peers through peer assisted learning, and harkness discussions. Classwork does not solely have to be the drill and repetition practice of traditional teacher and direct instruction. Within the classroom the use of practice questions can be done to help students apply material learnt within instruction. Seatwork provides independent learning time within the classroom that is independent learning where the teacher circulates and facilitates with questions on the material.Classwork, depending on the level of autonomy students have within the classroom can develop strong critical thinking skills as well as practice material in the classroom with support.
Homework can be used as a review of material from the day, or a way to introduce new topics at home to familiarize students on material before the class. Homework can be voluntary or involuntary within the class and can be submitted for a mark or formative feedback for the student. An effective use of homework allows students to ask the teacher any questions before leaving the classroom about the work to reduce confusion or inability to complete the material.
Sophie Courtier (2016) discusses the practical advice and arguments for and against homework, with an important post, homework is dependent on what the teacher decides to assign for homework. Through this animation and discussion the author discusses how homework can be used to benefit students learning based on statistics from studies.
There are many theorists such as Kralovec and Buell (2000) that have an argument against Homework as it limits time with family, does not allow material to cement within children and leads to many students cheating. Countries such as Finland assign no homework, but are able to out perform many countries in international testing such as OECD.
What is the secret to using homework and classwork that encourages a positive message about learning? The modern classroom is transitioning from a teacher centered learning to a student centered learning, and the shift of homework should be no different.
References
Courtier, S. (2016)Homework: Professional Studies Assignment. Group 1 that discusses how homework and studies can be used in the classroom. Retrieved on April 27, 2016 from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndlzxXUjG08
Hancock, L (2011) Why are Finland's Schools Successful? Educating Americans for the 21st Century. Smithsonian Magazine. Retrieved on Apil 29, 2016 from: www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/why-are-finlands-schools-successful-49859555/?no-ist
Himrdo (2012) Monohybrid Cross. Retrieved on April 27, 2016 from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyQ6FoIgr0Y
Kralovec, E. Buell, J. (2001) The End of Homework: How Homework Disruptps Families, Overburdens Children, and Limits Learning. Retrieved on April 30, 2016 from: www.goodreads.com/book/show/508184.The_End_of_Homework
Linsin, M. (2010) A Simple, Effective Homework PLan For Teachers: Part 1. Smart Classroom Management. April 30, 2016 from: www.smartclassroommanagement.com/2010/07/31/effective-homework-plan-for-teachers-part-1/
Teachnology (2016) 5 Reasons Kids Need Homework and 5 Reasons they Don't. Retrieved on April 29, 2016 from: www.teach-nology.com/tutorials/teaching/proandconhomework.html
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