Homework on the First Day
Gary,
Since we are on 5 week terms and we have 4 hour classes, do you think it is wise to give homework on the first day of class? I like to give it but the students always reply with a remark that I am the only instructor giving homework on the first day. Usually, it is a simple assignment but I always feel like a bad guy...any advice?
My classes are also only 5 weeks but 5 hours for each class. With this pace, it is imperative to give an assignment to reinforce the topics and provide transition. In addition, throughout the course I stress just how the work applies in the workforce.
Kacey,
Application is the key so you make a very good point.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
With short mods, it's necessary but I also like to explain why it applies.
Students will appreciate a demonstration of necessary rigor from day 1.
Veronica,
I would give them homework but I would make it something that is fun and appeals to their existing knowledge base. You might make it like a treasure hunt in terms of finding things or ways that they use the content of the upcoming course. This way they leave the first class thinking about the course but are not over whelmed with traditional homework. For example if it is a math course I might have them keep track of all the ways they use math from the time they leave class until they return the next day. Another might be if it is something in the medical field is to list how many different experiences they have had with medical professionals. This is not heavy duty homework but it is homework that helps to increase their awareness of what they are going to be studying. Just some ideas of how to get them used to doing homework from day one but not over whelming them either.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
