> Homework is for learning... <
For sure. But homework learning is done through practice. And part of practicing is making mistakes. If you make a mistake on a test question, that should cost you. But if you make a mistake on a homework question, that shouldn’t cost you, as long as the effort is there.
I guess we’ll just have to agree to disagree on this.
The best way to grade math homework is to provide points for process as they student makes proper progression in an equation.
Sometime a mistake is made and the wrong answer is given but the steps were right up to a point. That’s acceptable to give partial credit, but to say, “You tried, here’s full credit”, is harming the student, not helping.
When they get to the exam, they haven’t learned.
I also teach math at a college level, and we see the terrible results of participation trophy high school graduates. They “sort of” know math, but exacting results are difficult for them to manage.
No, homework is not for learning. Studying and practice tests are for learning. Both of those can be done sans assigned busy work. One reason I oppose homework is because often it is given because teachers are using classroom time for what has more in common with indoctrination than academics.
If homework is given it makes more sense to note whether it shows a student fully understands the subject or where improvement is needed rather than a letter grade.