Some thoughts on homework

Last week, the New York Times published an article about homework:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/11/opinion/sunday/quality-homework-a-smart-idea.html

We've read most of the research that is discussed in the article, and we try to incorporate the best practices that are summarized.  As we said in the syllabus:

We’ll use homework for many purposes.  It will be used to practice new concepts and skills.  It will be used to explore previously unseen topics.  And it will give you a chance to apply your knowledge to new situations.

In other words, we don't think homework should be busy work, and we don't think that homework should just be a repetition of what we did in class.  Homework is an opportunity to practice, but it's also an opportunity to problem-solve.

Are we getting it right?  Are your sons and daughters challenged enough on the homework?  Are they getting enough practice?  Are they problem-solving?

Please email me at Frederick.Peck@BVSD.org or leave a comment on this post if you have any suggestions for how we can improve the homework.