Homework Conundrum

Jovita M. Castelino is the curriculum leader for science at Trinity Academy Cathedral, Wakefield. She is an experienced teacher with a special interest in applying cognitive science principles to teaching to maximise student learning.

“Something as ubiquitous and demanding of student time as homework urgently deserves to come under the research-informed practice spotlight which characterises recent years in education, and this book is just what’s needed! Jo provides insightful, evidence-informed and practical recommendations for teachers and school leaders on key areas such as identifying effective homework tasks, teaching students effective habits for completing their homework and what to do when they get stuck, how to follow-up homework effectively so that students make maximum progress and developing a culture to support effective homework. I would strongly recommend this book for all teachers and school leaders involved with homework, progress and quality of education.”Ruth Ashbee, Senior Deputy Headteacher and author of Curriculum“The Homework Conundrum fills an important gap in the sector’s appreciation of this additional opportunity for learning. It is written in an utterly delightful style, drawing on Dr Jo Castelino’s deep experience and grounded in her considerable experience of developing homework policies in schools.Jo has underpinned her case for setting meaningful homework with considerable research both from meta-analyses of the impact of homework and from the field of cognitive science. Jo has taken an holistic view of the importance of homework and I was particularly struck by her question: ‘Can setting homework help students feel they belong?’It is insights such as these that we get from an expert thinking deeply about a domain. In completely mastering the brief, Jo has created an important asset to help colleagues to help their students claim this neglected area of provision.I am delighted to endorse this book; it would have made a difference to my practice in the early years of my career.”Mary Myatt, Education writer and speaker“Homework is important, but just how important is it? And how can we ensure we get the most out of it? In The Homework Conundrum Jo draws on a range of research and personal experience to explore a whole range of homework related issues. From explaining how homework benefits the learning of students to the role parents can play in supporting their students Jo expertly links together theory and practical application to provide a must read for anyone looking to implement an effective homework policy in their school.”Adam Robbins, Lead Practitioner T&L, author of Middle Leadership Mastery, CPD speaker“It is fair to say that I have been a homework cynic. The best part of twenty years, setting and marking tasks and then chasing those who don’t do it have sometimes made homework the bane of my life. Yet, this brilliant book has illuminated how homework has the power to elevate learning and made me think again. It’s like nothing I have ever read before. Seamlessly linking homework with cognitive science, it’s immediately accessible, credible and applicable. This book needs to be recommended reading on PGCEs and CPD curricula across the country.”Haili Hughes, Principal Lecturer, University of Sunderland, and Director of Education, IRIS Connect“The Homework Conundrum is a must-read for any teacher or leader interested in homework. Castelino's discussion of the evidence base around homework and education more widely is erudite and comprehensive, and she uses it as a platform to guide her frameworks and recommendations. This book breaks ground in the sense that lots of teachers set homework, but not always in a way that is likely to lead to effective learning. This causes teachers to "undersell" it, and students to resent it. The Homework Conundrum is the perfect antidote, delivering effective and implementable suggestions in a way that is clear and concise.”Adam Boxer, Lead Practitioner, Speaker, Education Director at Carousel Learning, Author of Teaching Secondary Science“Jo has more than done her homework in this terrific book. The principles and practice recommended are all underpinned by evidence.The thing I most like about this book is that Jo looks at homework from multiple angles so that this book answers the many questions and problems teachers face when it comes to homework”Sarah Cottinghatt, Head of Learning Design, IRIS Connect and author of Ausubel’s Meaningful Learning in Action“When homework works well, we know that it can be a powerful way to strengthen learning and improve study habits yet so often it becomes a source of great frustration for all involved. In The Homework Conundrum, Jo Castelino has produced the ultimate guide to ensuring homework is highly effective for students and greatly valued by teachers and parents.Drawing on well-established research into motivation, habit formation and learning, Jo Castelino meticulously describes the theoretical foundations for an effective homework strategy and its practical application. The Homework Conundrum will support teachers and school leaders to build a positive homework culture that will improve and enrich learning.If you are looking to refine your homework strategy to make it work for all students, then there is no better place”Andrew Percival, Deputy Headteacher at Stanley Road Primary School

• 1. Why should we talk about homework? 2. How do we learn? 3. Making homework effective 4. Motivating students through homework 5. The role of the home in successful homework 6. Supporting students with homework 7. Rewards and sanctions 8. Building a homework culture 9. Examples 10. Frequently asked questions