The Role of Homework

In a foreign language class, I believe that homework is an essential part of the learning experience.  To help students learn outside of the classroom, and to absorb and retain important information learned in class, homework can fill the role of practice.  I think that homework is especially important for beginner level foreign language courses because practicing a new language is the best way to improve.  Homework should be used as an aid to classroom learning, and should never be used to substitute face-to-face learning, because there are just too many ways for a student to do homework incorrectly, which could lead to a failure to learn.  By using homework to reinforce key concepts and skills learned in class, students can become more confident in their new language and be more prepared for class, where they will continue to learn new things.  Homework is improperly used, especially in foreign language classes, when it is assigned to teach new material, instead of reaffirm material taught in class.  When learning a foreign language, it is important for a new student to hear the language spoken often.  By hearing the new language, the student becomes more familiar with the structure and pronunciation, which in turn makes them more comfortable speaking, reading and writing the new language.  As I have said, I believe that homework, especially in foreign language courses, should be given after the class as a way to reinforce what was learned in class. 

I don't think I would use this video to show my students these studying techniques because I believe that most of the techniques are common sense in the first place.  Although there are some facts that I did not know, such as the daylight studying or the carbohydrate-brain function relationship, I think the execution of the video was poor because it aimed for humor rather than information.