(2) Resources for Teachers/Schools Revising How They Lead and Manage Homework

Below are two suggested sets of resources for teachers/schools revising how they do homework.

(1) Questions Used for a one-page survey for children
(2) Suggested quick and easy way for teachers to self-assess how they're doing leading and managing homework in their class


(1) Questions Used for a One-Page Survey for Children
These questions were formatted nicely on a page and one page given to each child. I read each question out loud as they were answering each question--so as to ensure consistency and to be able to answer any question(s)/ensure clarity.

Important Survey for Children at Scoil Talbot
— about your homework!

Think about the homework that you have got at Scoil Talbot in the different classes you’ve been in.
We want to know what you think.

How much do you normally enjoy homework?
(Give an answer from 1 to 10.
1 is “Not at all” and 10 is “Totally”)

How much does homework make you feel stressed (worried or upset)?
(1 is “Not at all” and 10 is “Totally”)

How much do you like the type of homework you receive? 1 is “Not at all” and 10 is “Totally”)

What are the most important things to be in homework? ____________________________

What do you find the hardest? __________________________________________________

How long does it usually take for you to do your homework? Please be honest. (Circle your answer)

·         Don’t Know

·         1 to 20 minutes,

·         21 to 40 minutes,

·         41 to 60 minutes,

·         Over an hour but less than an hour and a half

·         Over an hour and a half

What do you think of the following ideas?

1.      You and your parents together choosing some of your homework.
(1 is “Not at all” and 10 is “Totally”)

2.      Having a few days to do some homework? (1 is “Not at all” and 10 is “Totally”)

My Name:                                                       My Class:                                             Date:  

(2) Suggested quick and easy way for teachers to self-assess how they're doing leading and managing homework in their class

Teachers in our school self-assessed themselves against the following statements, on a scale of 1 to 4, during 5-10 minutes at our February 2019 staff meeting. As you'll see below, after self-assessing, they then each chose three ideas that they themselves came up with through this reflection, and then picked one idea they'd implement straight away...

Differentiation: I differentiate enough in assigning homework so that homework is effective for ALL children. (‘effective’ here means that the student is learning for him/her the right content at the right time in the right way)  1 2 3 4
Idea:

Regular Assessment: I regularly assess how well homework is working and take corrective action as needed. 1 2 3 4
Idea:

Aim for Enjoyment: When thinking of homework to assign a prime aim of mine is that each child overall enjoys their homework. 1 2 3 4
Idea:

Needs: I give homework that meets the (a) needs of the children, 1 2 3 4
Strengths: I give homework that meets the (b) strengths of the children, 1 2 3 4
Interests: I give homework that meets the (c) interests of the children. 1 2 3 4
Idea:

Children’s Voice: I consistently give a voice to children in the setting of some homework. 1 2 3 4
Idea:

Parents’ Voice: I consistently give a voice to parents in the setting of some homework. 1 2 3 4
Idea:

Content: I am happy with how I use the freedom I have to set my class’s homework content.  1 2 3 4
Idea:

Due Dates: I am happy with how I use the freedom I have to set due dates for homework to be completed. 1 2 3 4
Idea:

Aim for No Stress: As far as I know, no child finds homework stressful. 1 2 3 4
Idea:

Intrinsic Motivation: I believe that the homework I set for the children builds their intrinsic motivation to do well. 1 2 3 4
Idea:

After considering all the above, pick three things/ideas you have that you intend to implement in the next week…
1.
2.
3.
Now, pick one of those three that you will implement today/tomorrow….
1.