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Links to articles on education in BLUE

HOMEWORK

A New Instructional Definition for Homework

Homework causes much concern in education. Grading homework is not necessary because it is a formative assessment. It is for practicing and studying, not grading.

How Teachers can Avoid too Much Homework

The question of how much homework is too much won't go away. The guidelines are difficult to enforce. Homework need not overwork teachers or students.

Do Children Have too Much Homework

There are no consistent rules for what homework is and how much should be assigned.

What teachers Should Know about Homework and Student Learning

Teachers often give homework because it is usually considered to be an essential part of learning. Teachers need to reexamine at the practice.

School Homework Policies and Practices are Changing

After decades of assigning homework, educators still don't know if it improves learning. Homework is being reexamined and policies are changing.

ASSESSMENT/GRADING

Teachers Need to Look at Median Grading

Assessment and evaluation methods are generally left to teachers who usually prefer averaging. Grading with the median is mathematically correct and might help motivate.

Teachers Should Avoid Grading on the Curve

Teachers use a variety of procedures to grade and evaluate students. Some make sense - many don't. Grading on the curve is still used in many schools.

Assessing Teacher Assessments

That assessments measure what they are supposed to, and that they do so with consistency, are key features. There are rules for writing tests that improve assessments.

Teachers, Students, and the Zero Dilemma

The way students assessed was never developed in an orderly fashion. Standardized rules for grading don't exist. The lack of systematic assessment has created confusion.

A Short History of Student Assessment

Assessment has never been an exact science. Many teachers have no idea grading practices evolved.

Teacher Objectivity in Student Assessment

Teachers strive for grading objectivity, but human judgment is always involved. Uniformity might be all that is possible and that might be good for teachers and students.

Using Pop-Quizzes as an Assessment

Schools in the nation are grade-oriented. Pop-quizzes have been used for decades as a way to increase student vigilance. How do pop-quizzes measure up as an assessment?

The True-False Test as a Student Assessment

True/false quizzes and tests have serious weaknesses when it comes to assessing student learning.

One Example of Median Grading

Median grading is a possible alternative to averaging, but few examples are offered. Here is one of sample technique teachers might consider for median grading.

Principals Should Evaluate Teachers' Assessments

Virtually all teachers are observed, but watching teachers teach is not enough. Principals should know how teachers are assessing and grading students.

Rewards and Motivation

Extrinsic Rewards, Student Motivation, and Character Development

Rewards have become a major component of the classroom and schools generally. Are rewards the best way to improve behavior and grades?


Teachers Should Avoid the Traps and Problems with Student Rewards
Believing that giving someone a reward for doing the right thing is easy and seems logical. There are unexpected problems in the practice. Beware!


Teaching Strategies for Motivating Students
Motivating students is not a simple matter of rewards, gimmicks, and games. Students respond to teachers who can inspire while they teach. Creativity is essential


Motivating Apathetic and At-Risk Students
Few issues are as important to teachers as motivating students. Lots of techniques are tried, but often fail. Knowing students is the key to motivation.