By using homework as a means of purposeful education and not merely a punishment helps to further a students understanding of the material. "Skills are not acquired without frequent practice." (Smith, 1999) Some teachers give homework that takes forever to finish and is the same type of problem over and over again. Does this "practice" make the student better and understand how to do the problem? Students will pick up the pattern they are doing after a few times and don't need to do twenty five problems. I think that fewer problems should be given and that they need to build over time. By incorporating the use of spreadsheet software as was indicated in the text this week, students can understand what is happening as they type the problem in. Since the math field is about order and how you approach the problem, it is important to know what the problem says and how to interpret it. Typing it into a spreadsheet helps to understand what is being asked. This will help cut down on the number of homework questions and students will have a deeper knowledge.
The more that one practices and broadens their understanding of subject matter, the easier it will be for them to attempt problems. They will be able to see what the questions asks and will most likely know how, to since they have done it before, to solve the problem. If they don't, they will put what they have learned together and try to come up with a solution. Group work is always good and helps to promote learning. "Learning is said to take place because the reinforcement is pleasant, satisfying, tension reducing, and so on." (Skinner, 1950) When students can bounce their ideas off of each other, they tend to figure out what they need to. Giving and receiving of thoughts influence our brains and encourage thinking at a different level. As we use technology more and more, we will develop new ways to further our horizons and have more ways that students can learn in school and in life.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Skinner, B. F. (1950) Are theories of learning necessary? Psychological Review, 57, 193-216.
Smith, M. K. (1999) 'The behaviourist orientation to learning', the encyclopedia of informal education, www.infed.org/biblio/learning-behavourist.htm, Last update: May 11, 2009.
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Phil
ReplyDeleteAlthough repetition can be good when it comes to learning a new skill or concept, you are right that it can be overused. I like your terminology for homework--purposeful. While the amount of repetition needed will naturally vary in our students, homework should be used to reinforce and develop what has been constructed in class.
Also, brainstorming and cooperative learning are great ways to prepare our students for their future jobs. When students work together toward a common goal, they are discovering the essential work ethic traits of teamwork. Including technology to this type of learning will add another dimension to help our students obtain a deeper level of understanding and be even better prepared for their futures.
Phil,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you when it comes to homework. Students are going to be more apt to completing the homework assignment if it has 10/15 problems rather than an assignment of 25/30 problems. I have always felt that if students can be successful on 5/10 problems, they will be successful on any number of problems you give them.
Also, technology allows us to present homework from a different angle. I have given different assignments that students have to use the internet to look up answers or do a little research for me. They seem to really enjoy it as it is something different. And like you said it is a new way to further their horizons and make them more prepared for the real world.
Emily, it is good to see that your students like to use the internet to further their knowledge and look up info. They need to know where to go to find different types of information and by giving them assignments, they can learn where to go. Keeping students interested in what they are doing helps them to remember what they know and should know.
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