Tags
For years I assigned homework with very little return. Between the low participation rate and the time it took to review in class, it was rarely worth the precious class time. Finally I talked to my students about studying. It was an illuminating conversation. Here’s what I asked.
What? What do you study?
When? When do you study?
Where? Where do you study?
How long? How long do you study?
How often? How often do you study?
With whom? Who do you study with?
*****************************************************************
Then I researched a bit about studying language and this is what I learned:
Frequency
Don’t wait until to have a whole uninterrupted hour to sit down and concentrate. 20 minutes will do. Study every day, wherever and whenever possible. Frequency is more important than duration.
Book bags
Recyclable grocery bags (99 cents) are great for carrying the textbook, note-book, translator, pencils, and erasers: everything a student needs to dip into the books for a spell.
I do. We do. You do.
Many students commented they didn’t understand the homework assignment. Now in class we spend a few minutes on the assignment. I model it, we all do one or two items, and then students do it on their own outside of class.
Keep Company
Many of my students found they enjoyed doing their homework alongside their children or grandchildren.
Answer keys.
Busy adults want immediate feedback on their work (before they forget). Give students answer keys so they can check their answers immediately.
Hi Sara:
One other thing I’ve found useful is to refer to it as “practice”, rather than “studying”. Any skill, like tennis or playing the piano, needs reinforcement outside of class and once learners (I teach adults) realize that English is like any other skill, they see the value of practising outside the class – and are much more likely to find activities they enjoy, rather than be stuck with the image of being hunched over a stack of books, half-falling asleep.
Yes! The word practice really does re-frame the notion and can make sense to our (adult ed) students who don’t have much experiece with “study” but have practiced many skills thoughout their lives.