Homework Options

Instead of another essay for homework, try one of these options:

• Create a drawing of the principles in the lesson (or a cartoon).

Cartoons can be fun as the activity attracts different learning styles.

• Make a chart demonstrating the relationships between the lesson principle and an example.
• Annotated bibliography -of 5 to 10 additional resources.

As an example:

Smith, C. V. & Cardaciotto, L. (2011). Is active learning like broccoli? Student perceptions of active learning in large lecture classes.  Journal of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 11(1), 53-61.

Smith & Cardaciotto (2011) investigated learner centered instruction from the students’ perspective. Participants consisted of 1,091 students in Introduction to Psychology. They were divided into an active learning course and a traditional lecture course. Students affective information was rated as well as their intellectual. The results determined a greater retention rate among students in the active learning environment, greater engagement with the course information as well as greater application of the information. The researchers could find no positive correlation between the active learning environment and a positive attitude toward the course or material. Further research needs to be conducted to establish this point.

• Ranking -of ideas, principles, alphabetical, most essential, etc.
• Develop a list of …

Have students create a list of their favorite movies.

Students can list presidents, activities, tasks and a plethora of options. Consider even having your students creating a list of homework assignments.

• Make a video of yourself doing …
• Record yourself giving a speech, talk, memorized concept, etc.
• Create a relationship chart.

This is an example of genealogy or a family tree.

• Show a process chart:

• Have students create handouts for the lesson:

• KWL chart:

Click on image for a free pdf of the K-W-L chart.

(This can be used and changed to fit in other formats for lesson themes. Such as football season: )

KWL chart in football shape -free pdf

• Use learning styles.
• Use SOAP:

• Demonstrate relationships using a PowerPoint slide: (for example)

• Bookmark -create one to remind yourself of …
• Create a Gantt Chart

Image from Wikipedia

• Create a business card for a character or historical figure.
• Make a radio show broadcast.
• Write a eulogy.
• Draw a wanted poster. 
• Make an infomercial instead of a persuasion paper.
• Make a comic strip.
• Do a survey. Discover if … supports or rejects the premise of …

• Create a list of valid sources from the internet.
• Write a help wanted ad.
• Create and maintain a learning journal.
  

  Click on image for The Art of Learning Journals.

• Annotate reading selections.

An example of annotated reading.

• Trivia game -create or play one.
• Write an advice column.
• Make a brochure.
• Write a diary entry from the point of view of …
• Write the script for a documentary on …
• Create a photo journal.

An example of a photo journal — but it can be digital instead.

• Prepare a motion chart.

• Design a timeline.
• Memorize and recite a speech given by …
• Poster presentation.
• Student anthologies -have students compile one of their semester work.
• Debate a point of view with another student. Record and submit.
• Trade participation for homework.
• Group work.

The most important thing to recall is to be sure that a variety of options are made available. Be sure to include activities that are attractive to many different learning styles. Make homework opportunities learner-centered and fun.

By Tracy Harrington-Atkinson

Tracy Harrington-Atkinson, mother of six, lives in the Midwest with her husband. She is a teacher, having taught elementary school to higher education, holding degrees in elementary education, a master’s in higher education and continued on to a PhD in curriculum design. She has published several titles, including Calais: The Annals of the Hidden, Lemosa: The Annals of the Hidden, Book Two, Rachel’s 8 and Securing Your Tent. She is currently working on a non-fiction text exploring the attributes of self-directed learners: The Five Characteristics of Self-directed Learners.