Blog #10

Rationale/purpose for giving homework and independent work. Meaningful? Objectives? Specific feedback? Role of technology in communication process? 
  I have a hard time coming up with a rational for homework. On a philosophical level, I think Americans need to refocus on balance in their lives. As a society, I think we push ourselves too hard and don't take the time to just enjoy our lives with sports, crafts, or just being with our families.
  I don't see the need for homework in my particular teaching situation. I teach within a block schedule which provides more instructional time and less transitions anyway. Teaching language arts, I see my students for 80 minutes every day. We do that to include a 20 minute independent and/or guided reading time during the day. I have always covered my state and district mandates curriculum in a deep way, so it is not like I need my students to do work at home to gain ground.
  My understanding of homework is that it's purpose is for students to practice skills at an independent level, or to move their information from short term to long term memory. I believe that if you structure your lessons correctly, you release responsibility within each lesson allowing for independent practice before they even leave your room. If a student can already do a skill independently without help, how is doing it over and over more beneficial than doing anything else more meaningful. If a student leaves school and immediately does their homework will that help their long term and short term memory more than if they do their homework at the end of the day before bed? I don't understand that aspect. If you spiral through your curriculum, I believe you can continually work the short term and long term memory the same way.
   The only time I could see the need for homework is for students trying to catch up. If you start a race behind everyone else and run at the same pace as they are are during the race, you will never catch up. However, I wouldn't call it homework. I would prefer to see it as tutoring. A student lacking in skills will probably not be successful at acquiring skills on their own at home. They will need guidance and direct instruction. They will need to put in double time to keep up and catch up unfortunately.
  I will address the ideas of meaningful, objective, reflective, and technologically based instruction within the classroom. Out of those four things, I find meaningful lessons the most important. If a student is not engaged, you will not get any where near 100% effort. Plus, I believe a meaningful lesson teaches students the purpose of objectives by attaching them to real life. I believe that every lesson should tap into specific objectives with assessments that make sure they are targeting the skill you are striving toward. The assessment should utilize teacher, peer and self reflection, so that it is meaningful and accurate. Technology is a huge en-gager and support. Fear of technology and its use can hold a teacher back in allowing their students to grow beyond what you as a teacher and textbook can give and do for them.