Jamie Dale
T O P I C :
Nagging: Does It Work?
Jamie Poses the Question. . . .
October 10, 2007
My mentor teacher doesn't give homework because the majority of the students nearly always fail to do it. Even on in-class assignments, she gives them extended time to turn the assignment in and will "nag" at them to get in their work for a grade. I don't like this. I feel like even at this age, the students should be responsible enough to do homework (at home, HOMEwork) and get it turned in for a grade. I guess I have a dual question: What are some other people's responses to this and how would you "engage" the students to complete their homework assignments, even though they don't seem to feel incentive to do it for grade purposes?
Jane Keen answers....
November 18, 2007
I actually think that it works better not to give the students much homework. I have a teacher right now who does the same thing. The students have time in class to do the work, and pretty much everyone gets it done very nicely. I don't, however, agree with extending the time continuously for full credit. Is she giving full credit? You have to remember that we are trying to get these students to learn something. If they complete the work, they are more likely to learn than if they don't. So, I think it is okay to encourage them to turn it in late than not at all. My teacher accepts all assignments until 4:00 (the end of the school day) from all classes, and even lets the students call their parents to bring it if they left it at home. Sometimes he even extends the deadline to 8:00, and lets the students e-mail it to him. Any later than that, he gives half credit. I like this approach. I think as long as they do it, they should recieve a partial grade.
As far as engaging the students, we give them time in class to work. We allow them to talk and interact so that they don't feel like they are in a prison or anything, but we walk around the room and monitor and make sure that they stay on track. Get them involved in the subject, and mix up the approaches. We do group projects, essays, movies, PowerPoints, lectures, demonstrations. Remember, there are all sorts of learning styles out there. If at least one lesson reaches a kid, they are going to relate to you way more, and be more likely to pay attention and put in effort.
Shane Hampton answers....
November 25, 2007
One way that may work to get students to do homework is to call them out on the work. In other words, require the students to discuss the material. Randomly call on students for the answers where it will hold them acountable and possibly prompt them to be prepared. It might be worth a shot. I am a firm believer in homework. It separates the good students from the average to poor students.
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