HOMEWORK FOR LEARNING: 300 PRACTICAL STRATEGIES

Are you looking for new and creative ways of engaging and motivating your learners? If so, then this is the essential resource for you!

Homework for Learning takes a unique approach to homework arguing that it is more than a finishing-off activity and should be inextricably linked to the teaching and learning that takes place in the classroom. Homework - when imaginatively and considerately deployed - can be carried out anywhere, not just within the home, and can promote independent learning; assist in the development of generic skills; and free up time for further work on the curriculum.

The authors present over 300 practical strategies for homework to motivate and energize learners. These ideas draw on expert practice and are underpinned by a range of educational theories on learning. The accessible ideas include:

• Strategies to ensure high homework completion rates
• Homework for creative starter activities
• Ideas for fun and effective exam preparation
• Technologically innovative and e-learning strategies
• Coursework and project preparation
• Marking and assessment strategies
• Off-site homework activities to support school trips and visits

Whether you are training to teach in mainstream or post-compulsory education, or are a more experienced teacher, this book encourages you to experiment with a variety of novel strategies for homework.

"Homework for Learning is an important read for both new and experienced teachers looking for inspiration. Written in an engaging and highly accessible manner the authors offer a persuasive and powerful argument as to why teachers need to consider the transformative potential of learning outside of the classroom. The practical strategies offered are underpinned by grounded evidence and a research base which encourages us to rethink our homework practices. The emphasis upon 'looking back and looking forwards', supported by critical reflective practice, action research and ongoing professional development is timely. This will be a 'must read' text in my institution."
Julie Hughes, Head of Department (Post Compulsory Education), University of Wolverhampton, UK

"Within the first few pages Gerry and Warren’s book captured my interest. Firstly they openly talk about the problems around homework, something I could fully empathise with. Then they discuss how homework can be used more creatively to support independent learning and learning that involves others in the process. This is not only a very practical book with extensive guidance on good practice for teachers, it also draws on literature that challenges some of our pre-conceptions about what homework should 'look like'. Through a series of activity sheets, suggestions, thinking points and professional development ideas, the authors challenge teachers to think more carefully about the reasons for setting homework, what they are trying to achieve from it and how they might best support students. What is more, this book is stuffed full of fun ideas for homework that represent innovative approaches likely to engage the interest of students and move beyond the traditional essay (although this is also included). Not only will these suggestions improve the experiences of students, it will also be much more fun for teachers in giving and utilising the homework set."
Dr Linda Hammersley-Fletcher, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK

"This is a really useful book. Written in a clear style, Gerry Czerniawski and Warren Kidd draw on a wealth of classroom experience and research to share some powerful ideas about learning and teaching. For this book is not just about homework but about how to teach so that children learn. It has heaps of tips and strategies underpinned by big educational ideas that will really excite all sorts of teachers, not just those new to the profession, and get pupils engaged. Inspirational!"
Dr Sara Bubb, Institute of Education, UK

Gerry Czerniawski and Warren Kidd are both Senior Lecturers at the Cass School of Education and Communities, University of East London, UK.