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.
