Now, the slightly more difficult part
regarding homework content. In the first scenario the
homework was to finish off class work. What message is this
sending to our pupils? If homework is viewed as punishment
for a lack of productivity in the lesson then the learning
opportunities are being sacrificed. What about those pupils
who managed to complete the work during the lesson? They’re
clearly not being stretched and chances are those who were
unable to finish the class work won't be much more
successful outside the learning environment and thus fall
even more behind.
So what’s the answer? I think all teachers can agree that
homework should be a form of extended learning beyond the
classroom. It helps pupils to reinforce and
consolidate what they have learned in the lesson or
prepare for the next one. You can even differentiate
homework tasks to suit the needs of particular students. I
am planning on uploading some homework sheets soon, that I
have made on particular subjects which include cross
curricular links, so keep checking back!
If you have any examples of homework tasks that you are
proud of, email me at
info@teachme-dt.com and I can upload them for you with
your name and school should you so wish.
