Forums

            The article, “Science Homework Overhaul,” by Michelle Trueworthy she discusses the key changes she made to her student’s homework. Prior to implementing a new strategy for homework, Trueworthy had noticed that many of her students spent very little time thinking about the science topics discussed in class. Science homework was often overlooked by math and language arts. As a result of this Trueworthy decided to change the type of homework she assigned to her students. One of the ways Trueworthy changed her homework assignments was by having students complete a hands-on activity relating to what they were learning. Instead of having students complete the review questions at the end of the lesson as Trueworthy normally did, she decided to have students become “scientists” of their own at home. She assigned students to observe organisms in their yard and record their roles in the energy flow (Trueworthy 50). Trueworthy then gave students various options to demonstrate what they observed using a food web, food chain, story, etc. (Trueworthy 51). This allowed students to be creative and have a choice on how they wished to demonstrate what they learned. The author also wanted to incorporate the student’s family in their homework thus she asked her students to interview their parents and discuss/explain what the students had learned to their parents (Trueworthy 51). The methods she implemented were far different from what students were originally accustom to do for homework. Regardless it was received in a positive manner and students seemed to thoroughly enjoy it.  

            This article provides a great way to adapt homework for students. The thought of homework is often viewed in a negative light by students. However, Trueworthy introduces a way to make homework a fun learning experience for students. By diverting from traditional methods of homework such as assigning exercises from a textbook and focusing more on hands-on activities students are more inclined to enjoy the homework. The purpose of homework is to reinforce the concepts learned in class, and what better way to assess this then through real life experience. By incorporating homework assignments which require students to have to think critically and apply the concepts they have learned they are more likely to retain the information. Students are also more likely to learn things if they find it enjoyable. Trueworthy’s overhaul on homework is thus a great way to have students more engaged and excited about homework when compared to traditional methods.  

Thank you for sharing this article and what it entails! I like the idea of changing assessment to match what will benefit your students best even if that means trying something new. The author also giving her students options of how they wanted to demonstrate their learning is also very effective for students becuause they are able to then be more engaged into thier assessment and homework. This allows students to have higher order of thinking and more likely to learn because they are truly engaged. If you could share the link to this article this would be great!