Rethinking homework

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Instead of traditional homework, I assign reflection-based tasks or real-life observation logs.
How do you make homework more meaningful and student-centered?

@Sanaa agreed with your comments we must observe first.

@Sanaa

That’s a great approach—reflection-based tasks and observation logs naturally invite students to connect learning with their own experiences.

We can allow students to choose from a menu of homework options that align with the learning goal. For example:

Create a comic strip or video explaining a concept.

Interview a family member or community member about a topic.

@Sanaa
That’s a great approach! To make homework more meaningful and student-centered, I often assign tasks that connect learning to students’ daily lives—like reflection journals, real-life observations, or small projects based on their interests. Instead of rote work, I focus on activities that encourage critical thinking, creativity, and personal expression. I also give students some choice in how they complete assignments, which increases motivation and ownership of their learning.

I give open-ended prompts that promote critical thinking, encouraging students to connect lessons with the world around them

I assign family-involved tasks that promote discussion at home, strengthening both learning and relationships.

I use technology tools like Padlet or Flipgrid for students to share reflections or projects with their peers.

I focus on inquiry-based assignments that encourage students to ask questions, explore, and bring back their findings.

I let students choose from a menu of creative taskslike drawing, journaling, or making a short video to express understanding.

I design homework that connects with students’ daily lives, like observing angles in architecture or tracking weather patterns at home.

@Sanaa The book questions the traditional view of homework as an essential component of schooling, highlighting the growing concerns about its potential negative impact on student well-being and academic engagement.

Rethinking Homework suggests that homework should be more than just a tool for reinforcing classroom learning. It should also be used to develop independent learning skills, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving abilities.

@Sanaa
As a teacher, I'd make homework more meaningful and student-centered by assigning tasks that connect to real-life experiences, such as reflection journals, observation logs, or project-based assignments. These tasks encourage students to think critically, apply concepts to their own lives, and develop problem-solving skills. By giving students autonomy to choose topics or themes, we can foster engagement, creativity, and ownership over their learning. Additionally, incorporating self-assessment and feedback opportunities allows students to reflect on their progress, set goals, and take responsibility for their learning. This approach makes homework more relevant, enjoyable, and effective in promoting deeper understanding and lifelong learning skills.