1. Researchers of homework are Harris Cooper, Herbert Walberg, and Joyce Epstein. Epstein found that homework is important because learning is extended into the home and students benefit by: Increased skills, achievement, and test scores; Completion of homework; More positive attitude toward schoolwork; Higher self-concept as a learner View of the parent and home as more similar to the teacher and school; Realization that learning takes place outside of the classroom.

2. The main purposes for using homework were the following: Practice — increase speed, mastery, or maintenance of skills Participation — increase involvement of each student with the learning task Personal Development — build student responsibility, honesty, perseverance, time management, self-confidence time management, self-confidence Parent-Child Interaction — establish communication between parent and child about learning Public Relations — inform parents about what is happening in class Policy — fulfill school or district directives regarding homework

3. The most effective homework assignments had these characteristics: Covers material already taught and reinforces previously learned skills; Can integrate complex skills previously taught, but isn’t used to teach complex skills Designed at appropriate level of difficulty (95% success rate); Is motivating, relevant, useful “Homework” is a misleading name… Instead of the h-word, we should use “home preparation.” or, instead of the h-word, we could use something like “home practice.”

4. What is the relationship of instruction, Focus Activities, home preparation, science notebook quizzes, and examinations? Focus Activities Based on most salient information in textbook Expectation that all students learn how to read and use Informational Text Focus Activities will include information beyond the textbook Should be file in chronological order in your Science Notebook Should be reviewed often Will become your personal “Cliff Notes” for high school chemistry and physics Are only good if properly and honestly completed by YOU

5. What is the relationship of instruction, Focus Activities, home preparation, science notebook quizzes, and examinations? Class lessons and activities Focus Activity (Textbook) On Friday, Science Notebook Quiz = 25% of your grade Rules for Science Notebook Quiz You may use your Science Notebook to answer quiz questions To use your Science Notebook to answer quiz questions, you must have : All your Focus Activities properly completed Class notes and activities in your notebook

6. What is the relationship of instruction, Focus Activities, home preparation, science notebook quizzes, and examinations? Examinations = 35% of your grade Typically cover one or two chapters Do not expect a Study Guide Your class notes and Focus Activities should serve as a study guide The creation and use of a personal study strategy is expected Those with appropriate study strategies will be allowed to correct their exams for half credit “I read the chapter twice” is not a study strategy A physical product of your practice and review for the exam is a study strategy