How to Quickly Introduce Math Homework Study Skills
Teachers: Start teaching students to maximize their learning from their homework with this one assignment!
So much to do and so little time to do it. As a math teacher, it seems like the need for “extra help” exceeds the number of hours in our day (especially after the disruption from covid!).
We need to start equipping our students with skills so they can take greater control of their learning, regardless of the learning environment they find themselves in.
One way I have started doing this is by teaching them to do their homework the “right” way.
As math teachers, we want them to:
- Do more than just “get their homework done”
- Check their math answers after each question
- Learn from their mistakes
- Ask questions when confused
- Focus on understanding rather than memorizing
- Learn concepts from their homework so that they can apply their knowledge to novel situations
- Practice problem solving skills
I don’t know about you, but I am finding it increasingly hard to cover all the new material, help fill in any past foundational gaps from previous years (again, thanks Covid…) AND teach these all important study skills.
Introducing… the Math Homework Tips Assignment (with parent involvement).
I have started to give this assignment to my students near the beginning of my course. An accompanying Student Worksheet guides them through finding the relevant tips as well as having them reflect on their current homework habits.
Main info/tips covered:
- The benefits and importance of going over their notes before starting homework.
- What to do if they got a question right BUT they were a bit unsure while doing it
- Take time to reinforce your correct understanding
- Annotate your notes
- What to do if they don’t know how to start:
- Problem solve/brainstorm, look back at their notes, reflect on learning after doing the question, annotate notes, try similar questions
- What to do if they got a wrong answer
- Reflect (What did they do wrong? What concept did they think was correct but wasn’t? Etc.), annotate notes, try similar questions.
What I love most about this assignment is the part that comes at the end…
Why Ask for Parent/Guardian Signature?
- Accountability – Parents are now better aware of what they can ask about if their child starts struggling
- Parents feel less “in the dark” about why a child may or may not be struggling
- Reinforce these skills both at school and home.
- Helps to demystify “math success”.
- In my experience, parents seem to appreciate this information!
This is not the end, and certainly won’t change their homework habits overnight. BUT it’s a start, and one that should take minimal effort on your part. Periodically, you can review these skills with your students and add new ones along the way.
What Homework Skills do you teach in your classroom? Share them in the comments below!
If you would like a copy of the Math Poster/Infographic (which comes with the Student Worksheet and Answer Key), click here.