How much homework will you assign your students?

     Q:  How much homework will you assign your students?

     A:   In our “Curriculum and Instruction” course we learned that there is a positive correlation between homework as a learning tool and student achievement in the classroom.  However, we also learned that the amount of homework assigned needs to be tailored to the student’s age and grade level.  So, how much homework should I assign my students?  Although there is no definitive answer I’d like to use a simple formula that Dr. Graber shared with us.  That is “Homework = Grade Level x 10.”  This means that the amount of after-school homework (in minutes) is equal to the grade taught times 10.  Since this position is for fifth grade that would mean that I would assign approximately 50 minutes of homework per evening (5th grade x 10 = 50).  This 50 minutes of homework would include all subjects collectively – reading, math, science, and social studies.

            It is always to your advantage to cite some pertinent research or an authority in the field (it’s O.K. to consider your former professors as authorities).  This lets the interviewer know that you just didn’t make up your answer on the spot, but that you are aware of some evidence to back up your response.