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- What format is used in Mr. Lemin's homework?
- What is the purpose of the homework?
- My student has been absent. How do I know if the homework is correct?
- When is the vocabulary homework due?
- Is there anything else I should check?
- About how much time should a student spend on world history homework?
- May a student do the work at school?
- Are there any other alternatives to late and/or make-up work?
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What format is used in Mr. Lemin's homework?
The homework consists of a teacher-generated handout of 10 of the most
important vocabulary entries from each chapter lesson. These words are
matched to brief definitions and applications. Beyond this work, which is
assigned on average of once a week, the only other at-home work is studying
for tests.
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What is the purpose of the homework?
The primary function of Mr. Lemin's homework is reinforcement of
classroom teaching and is a weekly assessment (or grade) for that learning.
Secondarily, the format prepares students for the Iowa Test of Basic
Skills (ITBS), and the Oklahoma Core Curriculum Test (OCCT), which the DCMS
sixth graders take each year. Students learn summarizing, analysis, and
application as well as basic mechanical skills such as capitalization,
punctuation, and spelling.
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My student has been absent. How do I know if the homework is correct?
When a student returns to class, he or she is allowed the use 'The Black
Book' to catch up; or, during the absence, basic definitions and applica-
tions may also be found by clicking the 'Check Your Vocab' icon on the Home
Page of this website.
The student will have one 'make-up' day for each day absent. (For
example, if work is assigned on Monday, it is normally due Tuesday. If the
student misses Monday and returns Tuesday, the assignment is made Tuesday
and is then due Wednesday. If the student misses Monday and Tuesday and
returns Wednesday, the work is assigned Wednesday and is due Friday.)
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When is the vocabulary homework due?
Homework is due on the first day of class after it is assigned, at the
beginning of the hour. If it is not ready when called for, it is consid-
ered "late," and only counts for half-credit. [Exceptions are made for
excused absences and other emergencies. Contact Mr. Lemin by e-mail for
exceptions.]
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Is there anything else I should check?
Yes! Please be sure the student's first and last name and his or her
class hour are in the upper right-hand corner on the header provided. When
the handout is completed, please check for correct capitalization,
punctuation, and spelling of the "applications." These tips will help
improve your student's study skills across the curriculum.
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About how much time should a student spend on world history homework?
The time will vary with the individual student. Be aware, however, that
before the homework was assigned, each definition was reviewed in class
(usually once a day), and several applications are usually given for each
definition. An average student should not take more than 30 minutes to
complete the assignment.
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May a student do the work at school?
Yes and no.
YES: If another teacher has given students free time after their own
classwork is done, it may be done there.
NO: The work may NOT be done in Mr. Lemin's class at any time...
UNLESS: he specifically authorizes it! Homework that is not completed
before the student comes to class will be considered late (see #3, above).
As HOMEwork, it has the advantage of being reviewed by parents or
guardians (or teachers). Remember: It's not called CLASSwork, or ON-THE-
BUSwork - it's HOMEwork!
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Are there any other alternatives to late and/or make-up work?
Of course: as my former students will tell you, it isn't about the
grade, it's about the learning.
Students who do not turn in 'late' homework do not have the option of
not doing it! Students will be required to come in and complete the work,
even if the grade is recorded as a zero.
How effective is this policy? Since its implementation in January of
2007, there has been 100% turn-in of homework! (Please note, though, that
just because the make-up work is mandatory, it may still count as a zero if
a true effort is not made. Click on the 'Grading Rubric' icon for more
details.)
For students who truly make an effort but still cannot seem to make up
their work, Extra Credit projects are available (click on the 'Extra Credit'
icon on the Home Page).
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