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How do we make homework relevant and effective for all students? How do we get more students to complete homework? Should we even be assigning homework? This 2 credit hour course will investigate these questions about homework and more. Making Homework a Win/Win! begins by investigating the theories, purposes and myths about homework, how they compare to the research and how they apply to a new culture of diverse families, students and lifestyles. Then participants will learn how to make homework an effective tool, how to differentiate assignments and how to apply alternative grading methods. Finally, participants will examine ways to increase homework completion and effectiveness by implementing student and family supports.
Organization
The course is organized into 5 Modules and presented in a modified, self-paced format. Participants are encouraged to access the course regularly and make reasonable progress, but there are no due dates attached to individual assignments. Instead there are 2 absolute due dates (mid-term and the last day of class) to provide flexibility and to better accommodate participants' busy schedules.In addition to the required text, course goals will be met using a combination of discussions, activities, supplemental readings, videos, and applications. Participants will have opportunities to discuss, reflect and put into practice new information. The instructor will monitor all discussions and offer feedback and coaching on activities and assignments.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will:
1. Understand the theory behind homework as it applies to 21st century students & families
2. Be able to create & differentiate effective and purposeful homework assignments
3. Be able to apply alternative grading methods to homework
4. Know how to diagnose problems & provide support to students & families in order to improve homework
completion & effectiveness
Course Topics
1. Theory, Myths & Culture of Homework
2. The Achievement Gap, The Demise of Authority & Negotiating with 21st Century Students & Families
3. What Research & Experience Tells Us About Homework
4. Creating, Grading & Differentiating Effective& Purposeful Homework
5. Diagnosing Homework Problems & Providing Supports
Required Text: Rethinking Homework: Best Practices that Support Diverse Needs 2nd ed. (2018) by Cathy Vatterott. It can be purchased through local bookstores or ordered online.
Organization
The course is organized into 5 Modules and presented in a modified, self-paced format. Participants are encouraged to access the course regularly and make reasonable progress, but there are no due dates attached to individual assignments. Instead there are 2 absolute due dates (mid-term and the last day of class) to provide flexibility and to better accommodate participants' busy schedules.In addition to the required text, course goals will be met using a combination of discussions, activities, supplemental readings, videos, and applications. Participants will have opportunities to discuss, reflect and put into practice new information. The instructor will monitor all discussions and offer feedback and coaching on activities and assignments.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will:
1. Understand the theory behind homework as it applies to 21st century students & families
2. Be able to create & differentiate effective and purposeful homework assignments
3. Be able to apply alternative grading methods to homework
4. Know how to diagnose problems & provide support to students & families in order to improve homework
completion & effectiveness
Course Topics
1. Theory, Myths & Culture of Homework
2. The Achievement Gap, The Demise of Authority & Negotiating with 21st Century Students & Families
3. What Research & Experience Tells Us About Homework
4. Creating, Grading & Differentiating Effective& Purposeful Homework
5. Diagnosing Homework Problems & Providing Supports
Required Text: Rethinking Homework: Best Practices that Support Diverse Needs 2nd ed. (2018) by Cathy Vatterott. It can be purchased through local bookstores or ordered online.