INTRODUCTION

Pupil activities outwith the classroom can be powerful motivating and enriching experiences. Teachers can build on interest and knowledge acquired.

Science Sacks     HOPS (Home Opportunities for Practical Science)      Other Homework Exemplars

‘…homework can too often be conducted in an environment which is antagonistic to ‘relaxed alertness’. Often homework is associated with exercises, drill or ‘finishing off.’   (Thomas and Dhority, 1997).

For homework to make a difference to understanding, it must engage the pupil in his/her own learning.

Innovative strategies such as science sacks, and HOPS, go a long way to try and make pupils responsible for developing their own understanding.

Other examples of innovative homework, which have been found to be useful, have been included here.

Some suggestions for homework other than sets of questions

Before a topic or unit:

• a relevant concept cartoon to be discussed

• bring in pictures/drawings of an animal/living thing/plant

During a topic:

• carry out a piece of research

• plan an investigation

• carry out an investigation

After a topic:

• construct a cartoon or fill in bubbles

• make a concept or mind map

• make up a quiz based on learning criteria

• make up a marking scheme based on a set of questions

• design an animal /plant or home or habitat for an animal or plant

• construct a true /false card sort/ KWL grid etc ,etc