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Homework (& some ideas to improve completion rates)

Homework provides a useful way of consolidating and extending work completed in class. Here are a few ideas to improve completion rates of homework:

stress the importance of completion
check work is completed (preferably before the next class by email)
plan follow-on activities using the homework (and make sure your students realise they will need to complete it in order to participate in future activities)
set interesting/useful/relevant tasks
reinforce work done in class
prepare future activities using homework (e.g. read the chapter before it is studied in class)
plan homework as part of your lesson preparation
keep a record of homework marks and praise for good work
follow up on homework errors during class time
check carefully that students understand what they have to do at home
start on the homework during the last few minutes of classtime so it is easier for students to continue at home

If homework is appropriate to the students' level and interests, it is more likely to be completed. Here are some examples:

FOR BEGINNERS

listen to short dialogues and gap-filling exercise
reply to short email from teacher
simple grammar exercises (with answer key for self-correction or teacher corrected)
read short text and complete multiple-choice questions

FOR INTERMEDIATES

FOR ADVANCED STUDENTS