Comments on: Too much blogging?

By: Question: To Blog or Not to Blog » Technology Vision Team

Question: To Blog or Not to Blog » Technology Vision Team — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 02:05:56 +0000

[...] Dembo asks if the time spent is similar to homework expectations for students in his post Too Much Blogging (be sure to read his question at the end of his [...]

By: Chad Lehman

Chad Lehman — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 20:20:06 +0000

We should, but we don't. This is similar to a student who tells about the busy night between music lessons, a sports practice, or some other function that takes up their time. In many cases, the homework can wait. Letting students wind down for a bid isn't a bad thing - too bad we don't let them do it enough. Chad Lehman´s most recent blog post.. Finding a Blogging Balance

By: Frank LaBanca

Frank LaBanca — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:13:36 +0000

I attempted, but failed, to attach a link for a bit I did on homework last month . . .

http://problemfinding.labanca.net/?p=133

Frank LaBanca´s most recent blog post.. Irony in the computer lab

By: Frank LaBanca

Frank LaBanca — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 19:06:57 +0000

Steve, An interesting question, and here’s perhaps a different perspective. I NEVER give homework that is completed by the next day. I always have several days for students to complete it. I NEVER have an assignment due on a Monday (or the day after a holiday break, in case there are family obligations).

That being said, why don’t my assignments take one day? I firmly believe that homework assignments have to be meaningful experiences that challenge students to access higher order thinking skills. In the case of my discipline (Science), I want students to interpret information, create graphs of their data, draw conclusions, respond to each other on blog posts, or provide evidence-based writing. I want students to be creative, critical thinkers – and, done well by the student, that doesn’t happen overnight. I never give “Section 2.1, questions 1-5.” That generally only touches on knowledge/comprehension skills. If we want students to think higher on Bloom’s taxonomy, we need to give them the chance to do it!

Absolutes (never) are rare in education – but I firmly believe in the “nevers” I’ve used here.

By: Theresa White

Theresa White — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:28:47 +0000

I think that's a great question, Steve. This is an easy issue to remember when we as teachers take classes after the school day. Feeling burned out becomes part of life and we are more likely to empathize with the students. It is always a good idea to keep this in mind when dealing with students who need the brain break. Theresa White´s most recent blog post.. Mobilize Your Blog!

By: Christopher

Christopher — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:13:25 +0000

I agree… I’d probably grant the one night’s reprieve, but if I’m in a class where homework has been made an important part of our foundation, this may be hard to do. I think like some of the articles suggest, we need to tone back on homework “requirements.” In this economy, it’s hard to imagine families that aren’t stressed in more than one area, so compounding it with “busy work” is something we should consider. Toning back on homework requirements would also encourage the development of self-regulation and time management skills.

By: Lois Lindemann

Lois Lindemann — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 13:39:37 +0000

Hi Steve. That’s an interesting question. I’ve let students defer things before, usually when they have other big time demands – eg exams in another subject, rehearsals for a show etc.

I really like the idea of homework passes. I think I’m going to try that next term.

By: chopkins

chopkins — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:20:01 +0000

Yes, I would let them off for a night. I also let myself off for a night by not assigning homework!
I give out Homework Passes which students can use whenever they choose. Also, if students are unable to complete homework on a given night, I have told parents to write me a note telling me why with the understanding that it can/will be completed another night.

By: Mrs A

Mrs A — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:03:26 +0000

i teach senior school (10-12) and i explain that homework is an option and used to make sure that students understand the content and skills being covered. Sometimes i set prep work and i will make sure that the students know its prep work and that it will help them in the next lesson. If they choose not to do the prep work then the next lesson will be difficult for them. I think we need to remember that a lot of our students have a lot going on in their lives and we should trust them to complete what they require to get the grades they want.

By: Sandy Kennedy

Sandy Kennedy — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:44:35 +0000

Actually, I have. I always gave out No Homework passes. Children could use them whenever for just homework, not big projects. Many of them never used theirs or held on to them until the grading period was almost over. Also gave them an extra sometimes if they went over and above for one homework assignment. Gave them a feeling of control I think and a way out if something at home interferred. Looks like others have done the same.

By: Tek Zeno

Tek Zeno — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:38:11 +0000

Yes, I would. I use to give out homework passes for students. They could pick 1 homework assignment a month to "skip". Of course some students would use their pass right away but others would save it for when they needed it. Tek Zeno´s most recent blog post.. Interactive Builds: Part II

By: Warren Lind

Warren Lind — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:16:53 +0000

I have always excused a M. S. student when they have come to me and spoken about a stressful situation which is affecting their ability to concentrate. I quite often offer to stay after school or come early to school to help them understand and complete the work. I do warn them that Uncle John or Aunt Suzie can only die so many times before I get suspicious!

By: Steve Dembo

Steve Dembo — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:11:02 +0000

Would you let a student ‘opt out’ of homework for a night? http://tinyurl.com/5sgg9t