Homework

11/30 - I discovered that I my lessons sometimes run short or run long and that the homework I thought was appropriate when I planned the lesson no longer contains the correct problem mix. I used to try and deal with this by either 1) adjusting the problem mix at the end of class, or 2) deciding on the homework at the end of class. In these situations, which were not that often as a well planned lesson usually works out, I was sometimes rushed and did not give the best possible homework assignments.

Now, with mathXLforschool, I can assign homework after the class and tailor it to exactly what we discussed in class. I'm not rushed and the quality of the homeworks is much improved.

11/20 I have found that student's completion rates for homework is in the 90% range, while paper or textbook based homeworks have 50-60% completion rates. There may be a novelty effect that will wear off over time.

Most homework assignments are 9-11 problems. Every student has different values in each problem and can attempt each problem multiple times. Some questions are multiple choice, while others present a series of steps which each require an entry. Students need to learn how to properly enter their answers, and initial classroom training is definitely important for their early success. All students eventually understand what is required.

Students getting 100% are spending 15-20 minutes on their homework.

Some students with 100% are making multiple attempts at problems and spending quality time with problems.

__**BEST PRACTICE**__: To make it less stressful on the students early in the course, give full credit for any level of completion. Then consider the following grading method - 0% - 0, 1%-50% success - 5, 51%-100% - 10. Finally, give the grade that corresponds to the % successful.

Some anecdotal reasons that student's don't complete their homework online

1) "ran out of gas" - completed a few problems but not all. just didn't have the time to complete or not motivated to spend the time necessary.