Information Age Education

Homework Menu to Increase Engagement and Learning

January 29th, 2007

I am always ready to learn although I do not always like being taught.
- Winston Churchill

Very few people like to be told what to do. I count myself among the majority on this matter, and I imagine most of our students do to. That is why periodically offering a menu of homework choices is a great idea. Kids love choices and often go up and above the assignment requirements because they are more engaged.

There is no need to have the menu create any additional work for you. I usually give two choices. Here are two easy ways to create choice: vary the content or vary the product.

Vary the Content
Students can select the topic that the homework will be about. Perhaps, they are studying parts of speech. A student could focus the assignment on one part of speech. Everyone does the same assignment, but people have a different part of speech that they focus on.

Vary the Product
Here are a few quick things that I sometimes have my students do.

Create a Mini-poster
Mini-posters are done on 8 1/2 x 11 paper. I usually have them as a one-night assignment. If I expect more, I tell them that it’s a double assignment. Be specific in your expectations.

For example, tomorrow my students’ assignment is to make a mini-poster explaining how to calculate the circumference and area of a circle. Two original examples of each type of problem must be included. All calculations and appropriate units are required. Include a title. Color poster.

Quiz for a Classmate
Student can create a quiz that a classmate will take. The quiz has to have original problems and an attached answer key.
For example, the alternative assignment for my students tomorrow is to make a mini-quiz with 6 questions: 3 circumference and 3 area of a circle. One problem needs to be a multiple choice question. An answer key must be attached.

Create a Warm-up
Have the students create 2 warm-ups or bellringers about the concept that you are studying or a review concept. I have a specific format for my warm-ups that needs to be followed: 18 point, bold, comic sans font. Answers need to be attached.
Problems from the Book or a Handout
Some students prefer the traditional structure. You can have a set of problems or a handout as one of the menu choices.

I usually have kids share out their posters and get a classmate to grade it using a generic rubric. While this is happening, the students who made a mini-quiz get a classmate to take their quiz.
A menu is a fun alternative to traditional homework. Play with the different choices. Expand upon the possibilities. Enjoy!

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Entry Filed under: Education, Best Practices