Homework Feedback Research Articles

The relationship between teachers' homework feedback, students' homework emotions, and academic self-esteem: A multi-group analysis of gender differences

The relationship between teachers' homework feedback, students' homework emotions, and academic self-esteem: A multi-group analysis of gender differences

Homework, in-class assignments, and midterm exams

Formative assessments can be used more effectively to support students’ learning when coupled with insights about which types of formative assessments are predictive of students’ subsequent learning achievement. In this study, we investigated the predictive utility of students’ grades on homework and in-class assignments for the midterm and final cumulative exam, which were taken as measures of student learning. The data consisted of the grades of 241 undergraduate students for homework, in-class assignments, midterm and final cumulative exams in a variety of psychology courses. Using regression analyses, we found that students’ midterm exam grades were predicted by their grades for homework and in-class assignments completed before the midterm exam. Final cumulative exam grades were predicted by students’ homework and midterm exam grades, but not their in-class assignment grades. These findings suggest that the effectiveness of formative assessments as tools to predict student achievement varies. Additionally, although homework was not as strong of a predictor as the midterm exam, it was still an adequate predictor of final cumulative exam performance. Since homework feedback is provided earlier and often more frequently, in the context of the present courses under investigation, it can be a useful tool in informing educators’ and students’ learning plans early in a course. Future research should investigate further the relation between different types of formative and summative assessments across different instructors, disciplines and institutions.

The Comparative Effect of Audio-Taped and Written Homework Feedback on EFL Learners’ Speaking Complexity, Accuracy and Fluency

The main focus of the present study was the comparative effect of two various types of homework and feedback (Audio-Taped Homework Feedback and Written Homework Feedback) on EFL learners’ speaking complexity, accuracy and fluency. Also, there are three dependent variables including Speaking Complexity, Accuracy and Fluency. The study offered the same kind of teaching procedures to 60 female EFL learners, selected from a population of 90 individuals. All have been studying at intermediate level of English learning at the same institute for approximately 3 years. The process of participant selection was based on learners’ performance on a sample piloted test called PET, at Zabansara institution. Indeed, Due to the fact that there is a need to be able to generalize the present study’s findings to similar contexts of learning, the piloted PET test was carried out and general language proficiency level of students was measured meticulously. Moreover, the total number of the present research participants (60) was divided into one experimental groups as Audio-Taped Homework Feedback and one experimental group as Written Homework Feedback. Each individual group consisted of 30 members. 10 sessions of treatment (each 2 hours) were held for both experimental groups. The outlook of the present research study was seen as enhancement of language learners’ Speaking Complexity, Accuracy and Fluency. Hence, two models of Homework (by the participants) and Feedback (by the teacher) were carried out. The present research study included one independent variable with two modalities of Audio-Taped Homework Feedback and Written Homework Feedback. What is more, there are three dependent variables as Speaking Complexity, Accuracy, and Fluency. It is necessary to point it out that a Pre and Posttest of Speaking was administered to all individuals (participants) considering Speaking Complexity, Accuracy, and Fluency. To this end, the statistical analyses were conducted and the obtained results showed a significant influence of Audio-Taped Homework Feedback on the mentioned dependent variables, comparing with Written Homework Feedback. This research study is hoped to increase students’ general language proficiency level along with the focus on new methodologies of assignment/feedback and implementation of the findings as reference in further educational contexts.

Impact of Korean students’ individual learning time on math performance: differential effect of teachers’ assessment competency

As the 2015 revised national curriculum is being implementing in Korea, a teacher’s assessment competency has become a point of focus for the potential enhancement of students’ self-directed learning. Relevantly, a teacher’s competency in student assessment is correlated to his/her individual feedback practices. Although students’ self-directed learning affects academic performance and may vary based on their teachers’ assessment competency, few studies have investigated the effect of a teacher’s assessment competency, specially feedback practices, on student outcomes. Therefore, this study aims to empirically investigate the differential effect of a teacher’s assessment competency, particularly focusing on feedback practices (i.e., formative assessment feedback, homework feedback), on Korean students’ individual learning times and math achievements. For the analysis, a 3-level hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) is employed using data of middle school students (N = 2942) and math teachers (N = 426) in 207 middle schools of the Gyeonggi Education Panel Study (GEPS). The study revealed that a teacher’s formative assessment feedback has a positive differential effect on math performance when controlling for student-, teacher-, and school-level covariates. In addition, the effect of individual learning time on math achievement was significantly dependent on teachers’ homework feedback. The study provides newfound empirical evidence that teacher feedback plays a pivotal role in promoting a student’s self-directed learning and academic achievement. Based on these findings, the implications of improving a teacher’s assessment competency are discussed.

Does teacher homework feedback matter to 6th graders’ school engagement?: a mixed methods study

The effectiveness of homework on improving student academic achievement depends on several factors; for example, feedback provided by the teacher (i.e. grading) and student engagement are important moderators in this process. However, the relationships between the types of homework feedback commonly used by teachers and student school engagement have not yet been examined. Anchored in the Self-Determination Theory, this mixed methods sequential explanatory study investigated how five types of teacher homework feedback predict three dimensions of students’ school engagement. The participants included 6th graders (N = 4288) and their mathematics teachers (N = 170). For this investigation, a quantitative phase was run, followed by a qualitative phase. The quantitative data were analyzed using multivariate multilevel regression models. The quantitative data showed positive relationships between five types of feedback and school engagement, albeit with different results at student and class levels. The findings showed small effect sizes. The qualitative data, based on a purposeful sampling, provided further insights regarding the low effect sizes that were found. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Four themes were identified as follows: homework at home and/or at the study center, perceived homework feedback types, school engagement, and school disaffection. Both data sets indicated directions to strengthen the benefits of homework feedback and to maximize students’ learning. This research paper discusses practical implications as well as future research directions.

Developing Students’ Critical Thinking and Discourse Level Writing Skill Through Teachers’ Questions: A Sociocultural Approach

Abstract The present study adopts a quantitative design to explore the effects of pre-designed teachers’ questions as the mediation tool to scaffold the development of students’ critical thinking and their discourse level writing skills in English from a sociocultural perspective. The participants were 39 sophomores from two classes. The results showed that: (1) teachers’ questions targeting specific critical thinking skill in the classroom and in after-class conferences, as well as in written homework feedback were effective; (2) students backslid a little while internalizing teachers’ questions concerning critical thinking; (3) students improved reliably in terms of local and global coherence in their written production with the help of teachers’ questions. The findings indicate that teachers’ questions facilitate students’ development of critical thinking and enhance their discourse level writing skill.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy through PowerPoint: Efficacy in an Adolescent Clinical Population with Depression and Anxiety.

Background Limited help-seeking behaviours, among adolescents with mental health concerns and many barriers to accessing mental health services, make innovative approaches to administering mental health therapies crucial. Therefore, this study evaluated the efficacy of e-CBT given via PowerPoint slides to treat adolescents with anxiety and/or depression. Method 15 adolescents referred to an outpatient adolescent psychiatry clinic to treat a primary DSM-IV diagnosis of anxiety and/or depression chose between 8 weeks of e-CBT (n=7) or 7 weeks of live CBT (n=8). The e-CBT modules were presented using PowerPoint delivered weekly through email by either a senior psychiatry resident or an attending physician. Within each session, participants in both groups had personalized feedback on their mandatory weekly homework assignment from the previous week's module. BYIs were completed before treatment and and after final treatment within both groups to assess changes in depression, anxiety, anger, disruption, and self-concept. Findings Before treatment, BYI scores did not sig. differ between groups. After treatment, e-CBT participants reported sig. improved depression, anger, anxiety, and self-concept BYI scores while live CBT participants did not report any sig. changes. Only the Beck Anxiety Inventory sig. differed between groups after CBT. Conclusion Despite the low sample size within this study, using email to deliver e-CBT PowerPoint slides and individualized homework feedback shows promise as an alternate method of CBT delivery that reduces barriers to receiving mental health treatment that occur internationally.

The Effects of Teaching Method and Homework Feedback on Students’ Class Attitude, Classroom Atmosphere, Class Satisfaction, Self-Directed Learning, and Academic Achievement

The Effects of Teaching Method and Homework Feedback on Students’ Class Attitude, Classroom Atmosphere, Class Satisfaction, Self-Directed Learning, and Academic Achievement

"Homework Feedback Is…": Elementary and Middle School Teachers' Conceptions of Homework Feedback.

This study explored mathematics teachers’ conceptions of the homework feedback focusing on four key aspects: definition, purpose, types, and perceived impact. Forty-seven teachers from elementary and middle schools participated in six focus groups. Data were analyzed using content analysis. To enhance the trustworthiness of findings, classroom observations were used for triangulation of data. Participants conceptualized homework feedback in three directions (i.e., teachers’ feedback provided to students, students’ feedback provided to teachers, and homework self-feedback), being teachers’ monitoring of students’ learning the purpose reported by most teachers. Participants also reported the types of homework feedback more frequently used in class (e.g., checking homework completion, checking homework on the board), and their perceived impact on students. Findings provide valuable information to deepen the understanding of the homework feedback process, which may help develop new avenues for future research.

Improving Course Assessment via Web-based Homework

Higher education increasingly relies on course assessment; however, it is challenging to cover all course and assessed content. Homework has been linked to increased student performance and may be a solution to covering or reinforcing key course and assessed concepts. Instructor time and resources are limited, making additional grading challenging. Moreover, using feedback on homework to improve student performance is time sensitive with many faculty, challenged to timely return homework feedback. Web-based tools may assist with the aforementioned issues; however, research on the effects of homework, paper-based versus web-based homework, and online learning tools is inconsistent. The goal of this research is to improve assessment via web-based homework while requiring minimal instructor effort and time. The hypothesis is stated as employing web-based homework will improve scores on student performance as measured by a university course assessment. The web-based homework occurs via the implementation of discussion boards in multiple undergraduate courses in the college of business of a mid-size regional university. Results indicate discussion boards can be used to effectively improve student performance as measured by assessment.

Digital homework for kinematics and dynamics of machinery

A digital homework program applicable to the study of kinematics and dynamics of machinery has been developed and successfully incorporated into an ongoing kinematics and dynamics of machinery course providing students with regulated self-practice, formative feedback, and partial credit scoring. The use of digital homework in upper-level engineering courses is sparsely documented in the literature but can provide homework assignments that give immediate feedback for self-assessment of learning while significantly reducing the time required of the instructor for grading. This paper presents a procedure for creating a digital homework set generally applicable to engineering courses using a commercially available course management tool. The paper then documents a specific implementation into a junior-level kinematics and dynamics of machinery course. This implementation is assessed over four semesters based on its comparison with traditional homework as perceived by students. The responses indicate that students were acquainted with digital homework from pre-engineering courses and did not regard the digital format as a hindrance. However, students perceived no benefit to the immediate feedback and, therefore, preferred the traditional format of upper-level courses. This perception is attributed to students’ tendency to make use of the homework feedback much later after the assignment and primarily at the point of exam preparation. However, this seems to be counter to the role of homework as a formative feedback tool that students use in real time to gauge and regulate learning activities. The authors conclude that the presented digital homework is both efficient and appropriate as a teaching supplement to an upper-level kinematics and dynamics of machinery course in the light of the role of homework as a tool to regulate learning of course material. Examples of the implemented digital homework problems are provided to serve as a resource for other instructors.

Teachers’ Feedback on Homework, Homework-Related Behaviors, and Academic Achievement

ABSTRACTThe authors intended to (a) identify the association between gender or grade level and teachers’ homework (HW) feedback and (b) examine the relationship between teachers’ HW feedback, HW-related behaviors (e.g., amount of HW completed), and academic achievement. Four hundred fifty-four students (Grades 5–12) participated in this study. The results showed that (a) at higher grade levels, there is a lower perceived amount of teachers’ HW feedback; (b) teachers’ HW feedback as perceived by students is positively and significantly related to the amount of HW completed and to the perceived quality of HW time management but not to the amount of time spent on HW; (c) the amount of HW completed and the perceived quality of HW time management positively and significantly predict academic achievement; and (d) teachers’ HW feedback as perceived by students has an indirect relationship with students’ academic achievement by its effect on students’ HW-related behaviors.

Focus on practice-relationships between lessons on the primary instrument and individual practice in conservatoire education

This article presents the results of research into the relationships between lessons on the primary instrument and individual practice in conservatoire education. Six cases were extensively investigated through observation, questionnaires, logbooks, and interviews. Regarding the lessons on the primary instrument, we examined aims, topics, structure, homework feedback, and homework instruction; regarding the individual practice, we studied content, strategies, and direct relationships with the homework instruction. Our discussion of the results includes such issues as implicit versus explicit communication about aims, result-directed versus process-directed feedback, as well as ad hoc versus systematic approaches to teaching and individual practice. The results of our research are interpreted as marking a shift from traditional music education according to master-apprentice model, to a more reflective and methodical approach informed by educational theory.