I am fortunate that my students are well supported by parents and generally complete about a half hour of math homework M-Th (6th grade). There are times that I specifically instruct students to not seek help from parents-when teaching decimal multiplication for example. I want them to develop the concept before their parents tell them to "move" the decimal.
One strategy that helps students avoid frustration is homework isn't graded. I don't believe it is fair to grade work while students are still acquiring the concept. I keep track of whether it is completed or not. Any question not completed must have two questions written down that the student would have asked me if I had been there. This requires the student to give the question some thought, and goes beyond, "I didn't get it."
Although we thoroughly go over most questions orally, I would be interested in strategies others use to track homework completion and quality.
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I also do not grade homework on accuracy, but grade on whether it was completed. Students get one homework grade per week. I assign homework Monday-Thursday. Each assignment is worth 20 pts. If it's done, they get the 20 pts. If it's late, they get 10, but if they stay to complete it that day (as is school policy) they can get 15. I've struggled with how to handle if the assignment is not entirely complete. What if they skipped 5 problems? I love your idea of having them write down 2 questions they would have asked me! That at least helps me see that they thought about it and tried. Thanks!
Oh, the remaining 20 points for the weekly grade comes from being prepared for class each day with pencil, paper, laptop and book (4 pts each day x 5).
I just started this method at the end of the year last year, but it was a lifesaver! Now I only have 1 grade to enter for homework each week instead of 4 and the kids were taking more responsibility for being prepared once they knew their grade was affected.
Testing, testing, 1,2,3 .. I am encountering screen failure and I just have to see if this is getting out there.
Your idea for having them write questions regarding challenging hw problems is great! It holds them accountable but provides a safe out.
Karen D Fal sped 3-4
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