Note: This is an expansion on a blog post I wrote before.

I have written before about being anti-homework and I need to clarify this.  I don't grade homework.  I don't make it mandatory.  My students know all of this.  However, I believe that learning should continue throughout the day.  When I cut off homework and the notion of homework, what I am really doing is creating a false dichotomy between school life and real life.  I want a bridge between the two.

Therefore, I have my students use the following approach to homework:

1. It is not optional.  If you are too busy with extracurricular activities, I understand.  If your family requires you to babysit, that's fine as well. I'll give you some class time to keep a journal about your sports or your babysitting time and you can consider these activities a part of your homework. I might ask you to keep a log of what you are doing or a short journal where you write a few paragraphs as a reflection, but I will be respectful of your personal time.
2. It is not graded.  I'm not going to punish you or reward you for homework.
3. It is open: Homework is a chance for you to extend the learning from school into your life and from your life into the classroom. I would love to have you bring in your work and share it with the classroom community somehow.  I'd love to have it on our website and allow you to do in-class activities based upon what you worked on at home.
3. It is assessed: I will provide feedback on any homework you provide:  If you do a drawing and want some help with shading or perspective, I'll meet with you and help you.  If you do a video and want help editing it, I'm here as well.  If you are choosing to do community service for homework, I will give you a chance to do a reflection and I will leave a comment on it.  If it's writing you are choosing, I'll edit it.
4. It is not time-bound: I do not need you to do one assignment per week.  If you want to write a book over the course of a year or do a History Day project or Science Fair, these are all great options.  Run with them.  I support your decision to think long-term.  If you'd rather go short-term, that's fine as well.
5. Technology is optional: If you have access to a computer at home, I fully support a tech-integrated project. If you don't, that's okay as well.  You won't be punished or rewarded for what gadgets you own.
6. There is accountability: The students create a plan for themselves with specific goals and a time frame.
7. It extends to class: Students have a set aside time each week that they work on their homework-based independent projects.

So, what has this looked like this year?

• A group of students are meeting for a Banned Book Club
• Seven students are painting a mural in our class
• A student is writing his own comic book
• Four students have made flash cards to practice vocabulary to improve their English
• A student is creating a History Day project
• A small group of students are writing and illustrating children's books for kids in the children's hospital
• A student is doing a photographic survey of Maryvale
• A girl is learning how to fix cars and then writing poetry about it and delving deep into gender stereotypes
• Two students is doing interviews for a monthly podcast show

What has been the reaction from students?

At first they struggled with this concept.  It was too free, too confusing and too bizarre.  But the contract helped give them structure and they seem to be running with it.