Common Classroom Problem #2
No homework.
I’m going to peddle through this common classroom problem as I did with the last one. Instead of the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, I’ll settle for the pros and cons. The AI suggestions and explanations are in italics.
You’ll find out what my take and practice is on this common classroom problem towards the end.
And, yes, it’s fun seeing what AI comes up with.
Solutions to the No Homework issue
Homework Reminder System
Implement a consistent system for reminding students about upcoming homework assignments, such as writing them on the board at the beginning of each class or using a digital platform like a class website or app.
Pros: It’s a good idea to always have your assignments written on the board, projected on a SmartBoard, or some other electronic screen. I used them all the time. Having it on a website is also good. Doing so eliminates excuses for this common classroom problem…until you see the cons. Embedded in an LMS (learning management system… like Schoology, Canvas, Moodle, etc) is good too.
Cons: Having it readily accessible is great for students, parents, and teachers. But, getting students to use or access it or parents to enforce it is another story.
Homework Buddy System
Pair students up as homework buddies, where they can check in with each other regularly to ensure assignments are completed on time and offer support if needed.
Pros: Again, great idea. Kids love working with each other (mostly). Find a reliable student who doesn’t mind helping classmates, and you have a winning combination.
Cons: There is a tendency for one student in the pair to do all the work and the other to slide along on their strengths. This is not always a viable solution to this common classroom problem. Also, finding a goodly number of classmates willing to help others without becoming frustrated and giving up is another thing.
Clearly Communicated Homework Policy
Establish a clear and concise homework policy that outlines expectations, consequences for incomplete homework, and the importance of completing assignments on time. Make sure all students understand the policy and its consequences.
Pros: Set the stage at the start of the year to help eliminate this common classroom problem. But, don’t forget to follow through for a while afterward until the routine is established. VOILA! Consequences are essential for this and the other solutions. That’s the teacher’s job.
Cons: A poorly outlined classroom homework policy is as bad as not following through with consequences or drilling the process into their heads at the start.
Break Down Assignments
Break down larger assignments into smaller, more manageable tasks to help students better understand and plan their time effectively. Provide clear instructions and checkpoints along the way.
Pros: Doesn’t this go without saying?
Cons: Assigning something too challenging is a recipe for failure. Again, not making the task manageable, creates frustration. There is a fine line between making an assignment challenging enough and making it too easy or hard. The purpose of homework is multifold: reinforce instruction, practice concepts, and develop independent thinking processes.
Provide Homework Support
Offer dedicated homework support sessions before or after school where students can receive assistance from teachers or peer tutors. This can help students who struggle with understanding assignments or need extra help completing them.
Pros: Again, great idea. It provides time for one-on-one help.
Cons: For the teacher, they have to work out a schedule that works for them and the students. The student? They have to desire to attend. In some cases, parents will be needed to enforce this. Also, schools that provide after-school transportation to help those needing rides is a definite bonus.
(I don’t see this choice as a “study hall“, though it could be incorporated into one.)
Variety in Homework Assignments
Offer a variety of homework assignments that cater to different learning styles and interests, making the tasks more engaging and motivating for students.
Pros: Let’s say it again, great idea! The thought of having assignments dependent on a learner’s aptitude/ability will increase the likelihood that the assignment will get done.
Cons: The amount of work for a teacher to create all of these variations can be overwhelming. Especially if they are already individualizing instruction for class time.
Homework Completion Tracker
Use a homework completion tracker where students can record when they complete their assignments. This can help hold them accountable and provide a visual reminder of their progress.
Pros: At one time, the school where I taught issued planners. Their purpose was largely to record homework assignments. With parent’s coordinating, they would sign off to show that the homework was completed. This parent signoff process happened mostly when a student failed to use the planner properly. Typically, the idea of instituting this plan was brought up via teacher phone contact or in a parent-teacher conference.
Cons: Students lose planners. The burden of this idea is supposed to fall on the student. But, it can backfire and fall on the overworked teacher.
Parental Involvement
Keep parents informed about homework assignments and provide resources or strategies they can use to support their child at home. Encourage open communication between parents, students, and teachers regarding homework completion.
Pros: Ding, ding, ding! This is in all probability the key solution.
Cons: Some parents are less than eager to become involved. Remember, I’m coming at this from the angle of a public Middle School teaching experience. Some parents, sadly, believe that that’s the school’s responsibility…to educate (cater to) their children. Can you say glorified babysitting service?
Positive Reinforcement
Recognize and reward students who consistently complete their homework on time. This can be done through verbal praise, certificates, or small incentives to motivate students to stay on track.
Pros: This idea works with many students. The recognition from their peers is a great motivator. Plus, the reward is like icing on the cake.
Cons: Some students aren’t phased by rewards whether recognition from peers, verbal from a teacher, or physical (I’m thinking candy…). Rewards of pencils or other trinkets can work for some. For others, these types of things are ho-hum.
Reflection and Feedback
Provide opportunities for students to reflect on their homework completion habits and receive constructive feedback on their work. Encourage them to identify areas for improvement and set goals for future assignments.
Pros: This too is a great idea. Taking time for students to self-reflect on habits is very constructive. Add that to a plan where parents and teachers work beside them is a route to success.
Cons: Finding the time for metacognition can be a tough commodity in a teacher’s already bloated work schedule. It would have to be built in. In some cases, a before or after school rendevous would work best. Sadly, there are some students that won’t take any suggestion to heart.
Methods I have used
In teaching middle school science, I have used most if not all of the above strategies/solutions with varying degrees of success.
In the end, my approach was to tell students that they had homework every night (even on the weekend). Many groans and complaints would arise as I told them of my homework policy. I then went on to explain that their homework boiled down to (1) finishing anything that they started and didn’t finish in class and (2) preparing for quizzes and tests.
Let me explain.
My class, unlike Math or English (Language Arts), worked differently. 80 to 90-minute blocks of time were the norm. (Those who follow a block schedule can relate.) And, I covered new topics almost every day. This meant that after a bellringer, I would review the new concept. It usually took 20 minutes. The remaining time was used by the students to complete choices. The “choices”, as I called them, were designed to allow for individualization and creativity. Choices were a mix of options they had to “show me” that they understood the concepts covered that day.
That said, if a student finished the choice that day they had no homework unless they were prepping for a quiz or test. If they didn’t finish the choice, they had homework. If they chose not to finish it, they lost points and a lowered score for that unit. Or, they were kept after school (parent intervention) to catch up. Points for all work were recorded on what I called a gradesheet.
Summing It Up
This post presents various solutions to the common classroom problem of no homework. Each answer comes with its own merits and failures. From providing a homework reminder system to homework buddies, creating a clear homework policy to breaking down assignments and providing homework support, offering variety in assignments to tracking homework completion, each has its value.
However, challenges such as student accountability, lack of parental involvement, and teacher workload all challenge these solutions.
As is true for most no-homework situations, the best solution is to draw upon and combine the advantages of several ideas that work best for the teacher, the class, and the student.
Reflecting on personal experiences teaching middle school science, I shared my unique approach to tackling this common classroom problem by making homework a consequence of not completing daily class activities. This method was effective for my situation. Yet some students still required parental support and occasionally after-school sessions.
By setting strategies in place and involving students, parents, and teachers in the process, you can help reduce the number of students who don’t bring in their homework and promote a culture of responsibility and academic success in middle school.
