Module 2

Research is a huge component of our education system and it’s only going to get bigger. In order to be a successful educator you need to be up to date with the constant changes happening in our world today. It seems like every other day there is a new discovery or study that completely changes our perspective. Now with the internet, the amount of resources available to us are limitless and all at our fingertips. This boundless information creates a unique challenge for educators. As a teacher you must be very careful when selecting an article to share with your class. The adeptness to know if an article is not only relevant but accurate, makes the ability to have strong information literacy an essential skill. To have strong information literacy you must first be able to recognize that databases and sources are reliable. Next you must find an article that is not only up to date with current events but is also compatible to your student’s level of knowledge in your selected subject matter. Lastly, you’re obligated to find something that is contemplative and interesting.  Materials that will capture your student’s attention and make them reflect on the content you are trying to teach. As a future educator, I must possess very strong information literacy skills. As a teacher, I will have to discover relevant articles to share in the classroom, and also instruct students on how become informationally literate so they can perform their own research. The need to be informationally literate will only continue to expand and as an educator I must always remain current and aquire new sources of research.

Like any other student, I am not a fan of doing homework.  However, I do find it beneficial and important.  As a teacher, you need to assign a reasonable workload.   Quantity does not always equate to better student achievement.   “Assigning more homework does not lead to better homework performance when teachers do not consider other homework characteristics, specifically the purpose for each homework task (Epstein & Van Voorhis, 2001)”.  However, if the workload is practicable, homework is a great way for students to develop important time management skills. “Latter, Xu (2010) found a positive relationship between students’ grade level, organized environment, and homework time management”.  Although time management is an important skill for students to learn, it’s not the main reason why we are required to do homework. Assigning homework is not only a way for students to practice what they’ve learned, but also a way for students to “practice of concepts already discussed and preparation for upcoming material (Epstein & Van Voorhis, 2001)”. This is a very important tool for teachers.  It provides students with background knowledge and lets them jump right into the lesson. Homework also brings students to class with questions and a readiness to participate in discussion.  Finally, you cannot argue with the notion that “homework appears to have positive effects on student performance at all levels of achievement (Keith ; 1982, p. 251)”. Although I regret to admit, homework is an essential component to a quality education.   I must conclude that Mrs. Brandy Young is hampering her student’s educational growth by not assigning homework.

Works Cited

Valle, Antonio, et al. “Academic Goals, Student Homework Engagement, And Academic Achievement In Elementary School.” Frontiers In Psychology (2016): 1-10. Academic Search Complete. Web. 6 Feb. 2017.

 

Works Cited

Rosário, Pedro, et al. “Does Homework Design Matter? The Role Of Homework’s Purpose In Student Mathematics Achievement.” Contemporary Educational Psychology 43.(2015): 10-24. Academic Search Complete. Web. 6 Feb. 2017.

 

Works Cited

Maltese, Adam V., Robert H. Tai, and Fan Xitao. “When Is Homework Worth The Time? Evaluating The Association Between Homework And Achievement In High School Science And Math.” High School Journal 96.1 (2012): 52-72. Academic Search Complete. Web. 6 Feb. 2017.

 

Works Cited

Natriello, Gary, and Edward L. McDill. “Performance Standards, Student Effort On Homework, And Academic Achievement.” Sociology Of Education 59.1 (1986): 18-31. Academic Search Complete. Web. 6 Feb. 2017.