Throughout my teaching experience,
homework has been dreaded by most students. After reading about how to motivate
students, I feel that homework is a place where student motivation is lacking.
Zadina stated in chapter four that students are more engaged when they are intrinsically
motivated. Usually, students are extrinsically motivated to complete homework.
Some reasons I have heard are, “I do it because I have to”, or “I don’t want my
homework grade to drop.” I would like to change my students’ negative thoughts
about homework. I would like them to become more intrinsically motivated
because it could allow them an opportunity to willingly engage in activities
that could boost how much they learn about a given concept (outside of the
classroom). In order to do this, I must allow choices when it comes to
homework. After looking through Zadina’s workbook, I really enjoyed the idea of
using “intention” forms. “Intention” forms are a type of contract where the
students are allowed to choose when and where they will complete certain
assignments. These seem so flexible. They also allow the students have control
and ownership for assignments that must be completed (within a reasonable time
frame). The “intention” forms would not be the only choice for the students. They
would also be allowed to have choices on given assignments.
My example includes vocabulary words. In the
past, my students have never enjoyed learning about vocabulary words, but I
also never gave them many choices. They just had to memorize the terms. Looking
back on it now, that was not great teaching on my partL I decided that I would
create a vocabulary choice board for homework assignments. It would consist of
four choices each week (the choices could be traded out for news ones every so
often, just so it is not the same assignments every week). I wanted to choose
examples that used higher-order thinking skills. This way the assignments will
challenge the students, but the goals are still attainable. According to the
text, in order for students to become intrinsically motivated they need to be
challenged, but must also be able to achieve goals. Some of the examples I chose are as follows:
- Create a story (illustrations optional) using their vocabulary words
- Create a crossword puzzle using riddles to determine the term (not a definition).
- Creating a song that explains each vocabulary word
- Completing a four square vocabulary card, for each word. The vocabulary word goes in the center. Square one: create a picture. Square two: create a sentence, Square three: Give a synonym and antonym for the word. Square four: Definition from the text, as well as a definition in their own words
- Construct a concept map for each word. The concept map can include words and pictures.
Of the four choices, the students
would have to complete at least two of the choices. These would be due back on
the day of the test. With the use of the “intention” form, the students would choose
their assignments, as well as, due dates on the day the vocabulary is presented
to them. This way the students know well ahead of time with is expected of
them. I will then look over the assignments and grade them. I will also make
sure to give back all assignments. This way the students can keep a running interactive
notebook. The students will be able to keep track of their progress and hard
work. This will serve as a reference tool for the students to have for the
entire school year. The students would also see that they are not completing an
assignment for no given reason. All of their work will be valued and useful in
the classroom. Students would have their own personal dictionary which they
created. It would be very personal. They would be able to use their notebooks
as a reference, instead of having to use the dictionary. I believe this will
not only engage and motivate my students, but it would allow them an
opportunity to see that they are a valued member of the classroom community and
that their ideas and hard work really matter.
Four Square Example Template:
 Picture |
Sentence
|
|
Syn/Ant.
|
 Definition
from text:
Definition
in your own words:
|
Example of a Concept Map:
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