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RESPONSIVE TEACHING

The best teaching is characterised by being able to respond to and adjust the learning sequence if the students' understanding of what you want them to know is not secure. This is why you shouldn't set homework tasks in advance: you won't know what the gaps are. 

If homework tasks are used to consolidate knowledge or retrieve knowledge through the use of short precise learning sequences, then they can only be designed effectively if you know where the gaps in learning are. This of course is established through some instrument of formative assessment, such as written work, tests, or even via discussions. If a teacher realises that a part or parts of the learning are not secure, then s/he may choose to set a homework task to plug some of the gaps before the next session. Sometimes, depending on the nature of the gap, whole class teaching in the next lesson may be more appropriate, however, often, it may be only a need to revisit certain content or to provide greater exposure to modelled examples that will do the job. 

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This type of reactive teaching isn't possible when using schedules, as teachers are not able to preempt issues in learning; if that was the case the initial learning sequence wouldn't be valid. We have already seen that there are many issues with schedules, but the main problem is the fact that because the setting of work is restricted to particular evenings, teachers tend to set work before the lesson, largely through fear of not wanting to miss their spot on the schedule. 

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Only very experienced teachers would be able to set work with clear instructions and a modelled example at the end of a lesson, so the advice is to take your time, wait till you have a moment after the lesson (could be your next available free, or even after school) and design the task. A SHORT WELL DESIGNED TASK is much more valuable than an ad hoc unfocused task you hastily set as students are walking/running out the door.

 

Of course, using an online homework manager is the most effective solution here, as students can receive the homework electronically and don't have to be face to face with you. The benefit of this approach is that you may collect the books at the end of a lesson and browse the learning, and realise that something is missing: a homework task will help. PS - students get used to checking their homework manager on their mobiles, so don't think that because you're not face to face that they won't get the task. This routine may take some getting used to by the students, but once in place, you will be promoting a highly effective management skill to your students that will serve them well in their adult lives.  

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NB: If you set work after the students have left, allow more than 1 night to complete it. Give them a chance to consult the homework manager.  

  1. Use formative assessment to understand needs

  2. Don't rush the design

  3. 20 - 30 min tasks

  4. Precise instructions

  5. Modelled example to begin

  6. Use online homework manager

  7. Allow more than 1 night to complete

  8. Have high expectations of using online manager

TIPS FOR SETTING RESPONSIVE HOMEWORK
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