homework: practical, research based guidelines for developing meaningful, manageable homework by...

HomeworkPractical, Research Based

Guidelines for Developing Meaningful,

Manageable HomeworkJennifer Walsh-Rurak

Free powerpoint template: www.brainybetty.com2

On the Lighter Side…

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mn1BreaZ6rM


…But Seriously "We assign homework in an attempt to

develop students' skills and to extend learning time. At the same time, we are left frustrated when the students who need more time to learn seem the least likely to complete homework."

"Students with inadequate home environments for completing homework or with parents intellectually unable to help them are less likely to complete homework (Vatterott, 2007)"

From Rethinking Homework by Cathy Vatterott


Give the right amount of homework.

Research suggests students should get about 10 minutes of homework each night for each grade (i.e. 40 minutes for 4th grade, 50 minutes for 5th grade, etc.)

Consider making parents aware of how long homework should take so they can alert you if their child is struggling to complete the work within that time frame.


More frequent but shorter assignments are better than

fewer but longer assignments.

This strategy makes practice more frequent, helps prevent learning fatigue, and assists students with establishing a regular routine for studying at home.


Distribute Material Across Multiple Assignments

Learning is greatly facilitated when assignments include review of material covered in past lessons and an introduction to new topics, rather than just sticking to topics taught that day.


Distribute easy and harder material

throughout an assignment.

Research shows this kind of alteration of easy and harder material helps to keep students engaged and interested.


Consider giving students homework choices.

Choice can be important for enhancing students’ interest in material and helping to establish a sense of autonomy.

When possible, consider giving students options about content and/or format.


Be careful about parent involvement.

Consider the time and resources of

parents when considering their involvement.

Involve parents when it makes sense, but do so with careful planning and an understanding that families function very differently when it comes to homework.


Focus on study skills.

Provide materials that helps students learn to manage time and stay organized.

Talk to students about a variety of study strategies and techniques.


Do not grade or comment on every homework

assignment. Periodic commenting or grading can

be just as effective as providing feedback on every assignment. However, it is important to let students and parents know your grading policy up front.

Adapted from Homework Tips for Teachers fromThe Battle Over Homework by Harris Cooper

Consideration for Homework Policies

• Consider the age and independence level of the students.

• Consider the abilities of the students.



• Decide on the weighting of homework in the final grade.

• Communicate what will happen if homework is not completed.



• Give your students two copies of your policies on the first day of school and ask the parent to sign the paper as well as the student. Ask the students to return one copy and keep the other at home to refer to throughout the year.



• Be flexible in your policies and consider extenuating circumstances. Allow options for students who are absent due to sickness or have other situations that prevent homework completion.



For Further Investigation

The Battle Over Homework by Harris Cooper(Office copies available)

Rethinking Homework by Cathy Vatterott (One Office Copy Available)

A Repair Kit for Grading: 15 Fixes for Broken Grades by Ken O'Connor

(Office copies on backorder, expected late September)

homework: practical, research based guidelines for developing meaningful, manageable homework by...

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