MAXIMISING LEARNING: HOMEWORK: OPPORTUNITY OR PROBLEM?

PURPOSE Preparation Preparation Reinforcement Reinforcement Practice Practice Independent learning Independent learning Resilience Resilience Enjoying learning Enjoying learning

OBJECTIVES To share SWCHS Homework research findings To share SWCHS Homework research findings To communicate the importance of both the external and internal environments for maximising learning To communicate the importance of both the external and internal environments for maximising learning To disseminate best Homework practice To disseminate best Homework practice To introduce the ‘seven keys’ to memory and a number of different memory techniques To introduce the ‘seven keys’ to memory and a number of different memory techniques

HOMEWORK RESEARCH 60% of students do not have a special place, or time for Homework 40% of students miss a Homework deadline once a month Students spend an average of three and a half hours per week on Homework Students prefer more creative based Homework tasks

EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT PLACE/ SPACE LIGHTTIMERESOURCES

HOMEWORK ENVIRONMENT

SCENARIOS

SOME DO’S AND DON’TS DO: Encourage Encourage Monitor Monitor Use the planner / liaise with staff Use the planner / liaise with staff Help establish routines Help establish routines Show that you are in control Show that you are in controlDON’T Be rigid – negotiate, present alternatives Be rigid – negotiate, present alternatives Interfere – work with and not against Interfere – work with and not against Allow homework to become a major cause of arguments Allow homework to become a major cause of arguments Regard homework as a chore Regard homework as a chore Allow your child to dictate on matters of homework and learning Allow your child to dictate on matters of homework and learning

MEMORY

Think of three adverts (from TV, magazine, radio etc.). What makes these three memorable for you?

MEMORY The seven keys to memory: Outstanding Outstanding Funny Funny Personal Personal Emotional Emotional Linked with our senses Linked with our senses Connected to sex Connected to sex The first and last thing we learn (for example, in a lesson or revision session) The first and last thing we learn (for example, in a lesson or revision session)

How do you remember things? Try to recall the answer to the following situations. After each one note down what you did to help you remember. 1. What is your best friend’s telephone number? 2. How do you use a pencil sharpener? 3. What was your first day at work like? 4. What did you wear yesterday? 5. How do you get to the nearest postbox?

MEMORY TECHNIQUES Mnemonics Mnemonics Mind pegs Mind pegs Reports, films and journeys Reports, films and journeys Use the body Use the body Associations, patterns or rhythms Associations, patterns or rhythms

‘If a child does an hour of Homework each week day night, by the end of Year 11, he/she will have had an extra year of education’.

FURTHER READING Learning to Learn Pocket bookT. Barwood The Brain’s Behind It A. Smith The Learning BrainE. Jensen The Mind Map BookT. Buzan The Study Skills HandbookS. Cottrell Use Your MemoryT. Buzan