Case
Homework Challenge

I am in a classroom as an intern, it is self-contained ESE. These students are very bright, but yet because of their disabilities they are not given any homework or things to complete at home. The issue that I am seeing is that the parents are not being trusted to accomplish something with their child at home. When I asked why they weren't given homework, I was told that it would never get done anyway. I understand where the teacher is coming from, but I feel that the students should at least learn accountability as they transition into extended graduation program even if it means getting a signature on a piece of paper. My concern, as I go into my own classroom soon is what I would do if it were my classroom? Am I seeing all the perspectives? As a new teacher, what advice would you give me?

Posted on: 03/01/16 | Views: 1608
Solution #1
Top Solution
I agree that student's should learn some form of accountability and responsibility. This will only benefit the students. I think it would be good to give homework in your future classroom. You could give homework that reviews concepts that have already been discussed. You could even do half of the homework in class and leave the other half for the students to finish. This way they have something to reference and their parents can determine what they are learning and whether they are assisting them with their homework properly!

I like the idea of students doing a portion of the homework at home. It is a great visual for parents to see their child working hard to be successful!

If I were in this situation, I would exactly do this.

I agree that starting a program of homework to help students learn accountability is a good idea. Being allowed the chance to do even a little bit of work can help the students learn more about responsibility, and if parents are involved it can help them feel more connected to their student's day.

this would be the perfect solution

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Solution #2
I would give the students homework when you go into your own classroom and see how it goes. All students and schools are different.

This is exactly what I was thinking. Everyone teaches differently.

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Solution #3
In a recent class I took we learned all sorts of academic games to play. I think it would be effective and engaging to send home weekly for the parents to play with their children. Thy could reinforce classroom lessons and allow the parent to see what is being learned in class. By presenting it as a game it will more likely be completed.
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Solution #4
I would say maybe, talk to the teachers and see if you can set up a homework club with the students, so they can get there homework done after school a couple times a week.

I don't think this is necessary. You can't change how another teacher teaches because they most likely know the students better than you do.

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Solution #5
It is difficult for special needs children to do homework themselves at home. But what you can do is do some of it in class so the parents and students can reference the work. This will teach them responsibility and will only help them in the future!
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Solution #6
I will still issue homework for my students and make sure the parents are on the same page as I am.
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Solution #7
I would definitely assign homework but make it count for less. I would make it so a student could pass without doing any homework, but it would still affect their grade.
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Solution #8
I think if the students are bright, then homework should not be an issue for them. Giving a smaller amount would help the students not stress too much
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Solution #9
Homework isn't what we used to think of it as. It used to be something to keep us busy. Only give homework if the extra practice is really needed. You can ensure the students knows how to meet your objectives in class. The world is changing. We don't have to hold on to the old ways.

I agree! Only assign homework when and if it's needed.

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Solution #10
I think a great solution to this dilemma would be a Homefun activity. I have learned about this in ESOL classes and its a homework activity that the parents and students complete together. This would be a great solution because it will allow the parents to be involved in the homework and it will also give the student a chance to learn more about a certain topic from their parents.
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Solution #11
I think that as an intern you could go to an administrator and discuss the issues that you are having because it will not benefit the students when they start to transition. They must learn to do these activities outside of the classroom. I also think that you should begin thinking about how you want to structure your classroom and what you want to do with your students.

I would never do this! This is wrong!

I don't think this is necessary. As an intern you are under another teacher's thumb and you can't change their teaching style. It'll teach you how you want to control your own classroom.

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Solution #12
wont know it until you try. they got used to no homework and if you start off with homework your students will get into the groove

I would never do this! This is wrong!

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