If there is one topic in education that is sure to start a debate it is homework. There are many arguments for and against assigning homework to students. Today we are going to tackle this topic by looking at both sides while also keeping our students at the center. So what do you think? Should we give math homework assignments to our students?

Homework has left me with a range of emotions over the years. I want my students to grasp those math concepts inside out. Yet, there are moments when they zoom through it so fast that they barely pause to use any of the strategies we’ve discussed. I wonder what’s the real impact of math homework assignments anyway? Should we be handing it out? Is it actually helping them grow? So today, I’m tossing that question your way.

Homework – To Have or Not to Have?

Some argue that homework is essential for reinforcing what’s been taught in class. It gives students an extra chance to practice and master those tricky math problems. Plus, it teaches valuable skills like responsibility and time management. After all, in the real world, we often have tasks we need to tackle outside of work or school hours. So, homework could be seen as preparing our students for life beyond the classroom.

Others raise valid points against math homework assignments. They argue that it can lead to stress and burnout, especially for students who already have a lot on their plate. Plus, there’s the question of equity. Not all students have access to the same resources at home, so homework could widen the achievement gap. And let’s face it, sometimes homework just feels like busy work, with no real benefit in terms of learning.

So, where does that leave us? With a lot to consider! As we weigh the pros and cons of homework, it’s essential to keep our students’ well-being and educational growth front and center. After all, the goal is to set them up for success, both inside and outside of the classroom.

Pros of Math Homework Assignments

Now, our students may beg to differ, but homework does have a few benefits! First, homework allows students to practice what they’ve learned in class. Repetition is key to mastering any skill, and math is no exception. By tackling math problems at home, our students reinforce their understanding of concepts and build confidence in their abilities. Plus, the more they practice, the faster and more accurate they become, which can lead to better performance on assignments and various assessments.

Homework also encourages independent learning. When they work on math problems outside of class, they’re forced to rely on their own knowledge, resources, and problem-solving skills. This fosters a sense of self-reliance and resilience. As adults, we can see how those are valuable traits that will serve them well in future academic and professional endeavors.

Another benefit of math homework is that it provides valuable feedback to both the students and their teachers. As they complete assignments, students more clearly see where they’re excelling and where they need additional support. Those feelings of struggle become more real when the teacher isn’t in the same room.

Similarly, as teachers we can use homework to assess their level of understanding and tailor their instruction accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that students receive the individualized support they need to succeed.

Math homework assignments can also foster a sense of responsibility and discipline in students. By completing assignments on time and to the best of their ability, they can learn the importance of diligence and perseverance. These are crucial life skills that extend far beyond the realm of mathematics and are essential for success in what our students work to pursue.

Cons of Math Homework Assignments

Let’s now flip the script and look at the downfalls of giving math homework assignments. First and foremost, one of the biggest drawbacks of math homework is the potential for stress and burnout. For many students, the pressure to complete assignments on top of their already busy schedules can be overwhelming. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and exhaustion, detracting from their overall well-being and mental health.

Another issue with math homework is its potential to increase inequalities among students. Not all students have access to the same resources at home, whether it’s reliable internet access, a quiet study space, or parental support. As a result, homework can widen the achievement gap, leaving some students at a disadvantage.

There’s also the question of effectiveness. While homework is intended to reinforce learning, there’s evidence to suggest that it may not always achieve this goal. When students do not fully understand the concepts there is potential that homework is reinforcing these misunderstandings. This raises concerns about the quality of learning that takes place outside of the classroom.

Homework can take away valuable family time and time for extracurricular activities. With the increasing demands of schoolwork, students may find themselves with limited time for leisure activities, hobbies, or spending time with family and friends. Work-life balance is not a problem only faced by teachers or adults, we just might call it school-life balance for our students.

Now more than ever, there’s the issue of motivation. For some students, the prospect of completing yet another math assignment can be discouraging. This can create a cycle where students become increasingly disinterested in school and learning. Avoidance tactics and excuses start occurring, and this can lead to other subject areas as well. There’s also the likelihood of rushing through assignments just to have them done.

When Should I Assign Math Homework?

Maybe you don’t have a choice at your school and have to assign homework. You might be part of the side of the debate that doesn’t mind giving it and are looking for ways to make it work in your room. There’s a balance between the amount and the frequency. So, now, let’s brainstorm some ideas for the frequency of homework!

One thing I suggest is to consider having a flexible approach to homework frequency. For example, you could assign homework on a rotating schedule, with certain days dedicated to independent practice and others focused on hands-on activities or group projects. This way, students have the opportunity to engage with the material outside of class without feeling overwhelmed by a constant stream of assignments.

Another idea is to prioritize quality over quantity when it comes to homework. Rather than assigning a large volume of problems, focus on selecting a few key problems that reinforce the most important concepts covered in class. This allows your students to concentrate their efforts on mastering those concepts thoroughly. It also helps them avoid spreading themselves too thin across a mountain of assignments.

You can also consider offering optional homework assignments for students who wish to challenge themselves. This empowers your students to take ownership of their learning and pursue areas of interest at their own pace. Making it optional gives you a chance to give math homework assignments without adding unnecessary pressure or stress.

It’s also important to take into account students’ individual needs and circumstances when determining the frequency of homework. For example, some students may thrive with more frequent assignments, while others may benefit from a more relaxed approach. By being flexible and responsive to your student’s needs, you can create a homework policy that fosters a positive learning environment for all.

Types of Math Homework to Assign

With the decision to assign homework and how often out of the way, let’s take a look at a couple of different types you can assign. The most traditional approach to homework is for students to practice the same concept taught in class that day. There’s nothing wrong with this approach if it works for you and your students. But this doesn’t have to be your only option. Let’s take a look at a couple of other options too.

Spiral Math Review

Spiral Math Review is a key component in our math toolkit that plays a vital role in reinforcing fundamental concepts. Imagine taking a stroll down memory lane, but instead of reminiscing about old times, you’re revisiting important math lessons. That’s the essence of Spiral Math Review. It’s designed to revisit and reinforce key concepts from previous lessons, ensuring they remain fresh in our students’ minds.

I begin class by dedicating time to spiral back to concepts we’ve covered in the past. This daily review is about solidifying understanding and building a strong foundation for future learning. By regularly revisiting foundational concepts, we help our students make connections, identify patterns, and develop a deeper understanding of math.

I have also used spiral math reviews for multiple grade levels for math homework assignments! I have found that homework assignments based on Spiral Math Review pages allow my students to revisit and reinforce important concepts they’ve previously learned in class. My students are able to strengthen their problem-solving skills while building their confidence when it comes to math.

To read more about Spiral Math Reviews, make sure to read Using Spiral Math Daily Review in Middle School Math.

Mixed Math Review

Incorporating Mixed Math Practice into homework routines unlocks benefits for both our students and for us, the teachers. Our students get to dive into a variety of math problems that challenge and engage them, while you, the teacher, gain valuable insights into their progress and needs.

For students, Mixed Math Practice homework means revisiting and reinforcing a whole array of math concepts. Through this repetition, our students not only master concepts but also build confidence and critical thinking skills. Using mixed math practice as homework is the secret for test preparation. By regularly encountering a diverse range of problem types, our students become test-ready. They are equipped with the flexibility and problem-solving skills needed to tackle any challenge.

And for you, the teacher, it’s like having a backstage pass to student understanding. By analyzing their responses to mixed math practice homework, you uncover valuable insights into what they’ve mastered and where they might need extra support. Ready with this knowledge, you can tailor your teaching to meet their individual needs more effectively.

By consistently reviewing previously learned material, you reduce the need for extensive reteaching down the road. That means more time for meaningful learning experiences and less time spent playing catch-up. To learn about even more benefits of using mixed math practice, read Five Reasons to Use Mixed Math Practice.

Should You Give Math Homework?

In the end, the decision boils down to what you believe will best serve both you and your students. The task of grading math homework assignments frequently to give feedback may seem daunting. You are experts on your students, so trust your gut and go with it. Some years you might feel like homework may cause burnout among your students, while other years you know that little bit of extra practice is needed.

As you navigate through planning and testing the waters of homework assignments, it’s essential to strike a balance between the amount of homework and its frequency. Remember, quality over quantity applies even in the realm of math! By prioritizing thoughtful and purposeful assignments, you can create a learning environment that fosters growth and achievement for all.

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When my 6th grade math students finish their math assessments and want to hand them in, I always ask, “Did you check your work?” Often the answer is “yes,” but if it’s not, I won’t take the paper until the student does check their work. So, they go back to the assessment and ‘check’ for a couple of minutes and are ready to hand the assessment in again. The problem is their ‘check’ really focuses on making sure every question was answered.  That is until I started teaching them how to check math problems.  That was a game changer and today I’m sharing the tips with you.

Five Strategies for Checking Math Problems

Over the years, I have tried numerous strategies for teaching my students how to check math problems. Some worked well, and some not so much. The following strategies are the ones I’ve found to be the most helpful to my math students.

They aren’t always thrilled by the extra time and effort that it takes to check your work, but they do admit that it helps. And coming from middle school students – that says a lot!

1. Redo the Math Problems on a Separate Sheet of Paper

The first strategy that I teach when teaching how to check math problems is to have students redo the problem. The key to this strategy working is to redo the problems on a separate piece of paper, without looking at the work that was already done.

When students look at the work they already did, it influences them and they sometimes make the same mistake again.

After redoing the math problem, they compare their original math work and answer with the redo. This can take a while, but when students are ready to hand in an assessment with lots of class time left, I recommend they take the time to do this.

2. Use the Opposite Operation to Check

If possible, I encourage students to use the opposite operation as a strategy for checking math problems. For example, if the problem is an addition problem, subtract one of the addends from the sum. If it is a division problem, use multiplication to check, and so on.

Not only does this help check their answer, but it also builds a deeper understanding of how these concepts are connected to one another.

3. Ask Whether the Answer is Logical

The ability for students to determine if an answer is logical is an important one. In fact, it is one they will likely use for the rest of their life in day-to-day situations. That’s why teaching my students how to check math problems using reasonableness is always a strategy I teach.

If the problem was 2.56 x 7.91, an answer of 2.02496 (instead of 20.2496), is not logical.

This is where their estimating skills come into play. I take a lot of time in my math instruction to model estimating and how to determine if an answer to a math problem is reasonable. 

4. Substitute the Solution into the Equation

When it is possible, substituting the solution into the equation is a great way to check a math problem. If the solution is correct, the equation will be true.

5. For Word Problems – Reread and Identify the Question

If the test includes word problems, the best strategy students can use is to reread each problem carefully to be sure all of the information is identified and understood correctly.

I teach students to look for numbers that are written as words rather than digits. This is a common mistake students make as they work quickly and identify the key information as only what is written in number form.

I also teach students to identify the question being asked. So often, word problems include extra information that is not needed. This extra information can sometimes cause them to answer a question that is not being asked. By teaching students to be sure the answer actually answers the question the problem is asking we can teach them how to check math problems with accuracy.

Are You Ready to Teach Your Students How to Check Math Problems?

I created a How to Check Your Math Work reminder sheet for students to keep in their notebooks. This handy reminder is just what they need to check math problems with ease. After teaching the strategies students can choose the strategy they are most comfortable with or feel will work best on the problem.

Share this How to Check Math Problems sheet with your students. This free download includes a colored version and a black & white version. Just choose the one that will work best for your students. 

Checking Your Math Work Math Wheel

If you’d like another way to help students remember strategies for checking their math work, check out the Checking Math Work Math Wheel. This wheel includes sections for five different strategies. There is space in the background pattern for students to add additional strategies, formulas or key terms relevant to their grade level.

Save these Strategies

Ready to teach your students how to check math problems? Save this post to your favorite math Pinterest board so you can come back any time you need to.

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