Recently one of my students told me that he forgot his homework because "his shampoo bottle leaked all over it." Now I've heard some pretty interesting excuses, but that one topped the list! Whether it was true or not, the fact is that our kids are often disregarding their homework.
Why? Some may be deemed "lazy" by some teachers, while others just don't understand. I was one of those students who would often "get it" in class and totally forget it at home. It's frustrating, isn't it?
How can we help our kids do their homework in Math and Science? Perhaps providing a link to a video clip that would help "reteach" or supplement the instruction that took place earlier in the day. Sites like Khan Academy exist to do this.
One of the most recent sites that I have come across is Brightstorm, a free homework help site for Math and Science. The site boasts of providing Math help from Algebra 1 to Calculus and Science help for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Some videos contain a "Practice" tab, where participants can practice or be quizzed on a particular concept.
How does this site relate to UDL? It provides multiple ways of representing material through video for our visual and auditory students, but it also provides a separate transcript tab for students to follow / read. It provides multiple means of engagement, because students interact with material in a different / interactive way.
The site also contains a Test Prep section for the SAT, PSAT, and ACT tests. In the SAT prep section, it even has a section with interactive flash cards! Although you need to subscribe for $99 for this section, it does provide some free sample activities.
Could this cause the end of missing homework assignments? Maybe not, but its a good start.
Check out this video on the Skeletal System:
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