I believe that homework should be given in foreign language
classes when it is appropriate. Homework should be used as a tool to practice after
a concept is taught in the classroom by the teacher. The only time it would be
appropriate to give homework before a lesson when introducing a new concept is
if it were for vocabulary terms, but never for grammar. Homework can be useful
as a form of repetition and practice after the new concepts are taught. One
important thing that must always be done with homework is reviewing it the next
day in class. This is a perfect time for students to identify their struggles,
ask questions, and go over the material again if it is needed. Other appropriate
forms of homework may be reading a short story, working on a project using the
concepts taught in class, and writing an essay. Standard book activities can be
good homework when they are fill in the blanks or matching or conjugating
verbs. They are not good activities when they are busy-work. This can include
word searches or crossword puzzles. In the end they are not very helpful for
practicing how to use words and conjugations. I think some very good homework
activities include listening to music, watching television, recording yourself
speaking while reciting something, reading short stories, and researching
cultural concepts.
I do not feel like I would show my students this video. When
I saw it I was confused as to whether it was meant to be sarcastic or not. I
think that the tips that are presented are good ones for doing homework at home
like using natural light and having a clean work area. Some of the other tips
do not typically work for everyone, such as eating, chewing gum, or listening
to music. I also am not an advocate for listening to music while doing
homework, especially when working with a foreign language. Maybe if a student
were working on a project I could see listening to music, but it would be preferable
if it were in the target language.
You make a good point about listening to music during homework, especially when it is for a foreign language class. It is necessary to be completely concentrated when doing any homework. When you are listening to music, at least some of your brain is listening to the music instead of working on the homework. I believe that listening to music, unless it is instrumental, does not have a positive impact on learning.
ReplyDeleteYour post reminded me of something very important: not every language class is going to be a level one course. As teachers we could teach any skill level from beginner to advanced. This changes my opinion on homework a bit. I think that homework can be assigned before a lesson is taught in upper levels. If students are working on reading comprehension or a cultural activity, then I think it is entirely appropriate to have them read a passage before class and come prepared with questions or do some background research on a specific topic. Only in the lowest levels would I suggest that homework almost never be assigned before a lesson.
ReplyDeleteI liked that you said that homework should always be reviewed the next day in class. It is something so simple, but it is essential that the teacher talks about the homework with the entire class. I hated having those teachers who just glanced at your homework to make sure you completed it rather than seeing if you actually put in effort to do it. Homework becomes a joke at that point because if the teacher doesn't show interest in the work that you have done, there is no reason to even try to complete it correctly. If a teacher goes over the assignment the next day, it's much easier to tackle the confusion or questions right then before they have a more serious assessment, like a quiz or exam.
ReplyDeleteI also wrote about "busy-work" in my post and I totally agree with you. Word searches, coloring pages, unrelated worksheets and everything else along those lines might be fun for people during their spare time, but these things make really bad homework assignments. Homework needs to be helpful. If you're a teacher and can't seem to find any assignments to help your students with the current concepts being covered in class, don't feel the need to fill that void with busy work!
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that homework should be reviewed the following class. This method will help students understand their mistakes and improve their language. I also think you are correct in saying that some book activities can be busy work if not assigned properly. I have definitely had experience in foreign language courses where the homework did not directly help me to learn the concept at hand.
ReplyDeleteI agree that homework should only be assigned ahead of a lesson if it's for basic vocabulary or, even in advanced classes, if it's to research a certain subject that will be discussed the following day in class but NEVER for grammar. Students will most likely become confused if they are forced to teach themselves grammar before the lesson is even presented
ReplyDelete