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Ditch That Homework: Practical Strategies to Help Make Homework Obsolete
Students hate it. Parents wonder if it’s worth the tears, frustration, and nightly arguments. Teachers debate whether it’s really helpful or just busywork that consumes their precious time. One thing everyone can agree on is that homework is a contentious topic. In Ditch That Homework, Matt Miller and Alice Keeler discuss the pros and cons of homework, why teachers assign it, and what life could look like without it. As they evaluate the research and share parent and teacher insights, the authors explore some of the benefits for ditching homework: Better education for all students Reduced stress for families More intentionality with lesson planning Increased love of learning More time for teachers to focus on learning at school and enjoying their after-school hours And that’s just the beginning. Miller and Keeler offer a convincing case for ditching—or at a minimum greatly reducing—homework. They also provide practical guidance on how to eliminate homework from your lessons. You’ll discover strategies for improving learning through differentiation and student agency and by tapping into the way the brain works best. Are you ready? Read this book and you’ll understand why it’s time to Ditch That Homework! #DitchHW
206 pages, Paperback
Published July 24, 2017
55 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
Matt Miller
6 books4 followersMatt Miller is the author of four books. He has spent more than a decade teaching technology-infused lessons in public schools. As an author, blogger and education speaker, he encourages teachers to free their teaching and revolutionize their classrooms with mindset, techniques and curriculum to serve today's learners. With thousands of subscribers and visitors from more than 100 countries, Matt's blog, DitchThatTextbook.com, is a well-respected source of ideas and insights about educational technology and creative teaching.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 9, 2019
Finally a book that inspires teachers to consider an alternative method of teaching than assigning boring homework packets. I found myself inspired to try new things in the classroom next year.
September 22, 2017
A colleague of mine recommended this book with the promise it would completely change the way I think about the classroom.
I picked it up with some skepticism. My personal stance has always been that great teachers cannot be replicated and are great for different reasons.
I'm happy to say this book really got me thinking about how I approach work in the classroom.
It starts with centering on the needs of students, all of whom are different, and demonstrates... with real-world examples... how much more effective a teacher can be by leveraging the right tools.
Any book that gets me to make notes, highlight passages and put it down to think is an instant five-star for me. This book had me doing that on several occasions.
While many pages were bookmarked, here are a few choice highlights:
"Just because students make poor choices doesn’t mean we should remove that responsibility altogether."
"As teachers, we tend to want class to run smoothly. We like things to be neat and tidy. Students are still learning how to live life, and the way they think and operate creates a hot mess in our classrooms. Instead of avoiding those messes, we’ve got to pull on our rubber boots and wade through the mess with them. Yes, it requires time and patience, but it’s also how we can help them learn to make better decisions in the future."
I love the fact the authors don't just offer a tool or method and say, "This is all you need." Instead, they look at the realities of the modern classroom and offer steps to get to a better place.
This book will get a teacher to re-think what their idea of useful work for students is... regardless of whether they assign it for homework or not.
I picked it up with some skepticism. My personal stance has always been that great teachers cannot be replicated and are great for different reasons.
I'm happy to say this book really got me thinking about how I approach work in the classroom.
It starts with centering on the needs of students, all of whom are different, and demonstrates... with real-world examples... how much more effective a teacher can be by leveraging the right tools.
Any book that gets me to make notes, highlight passages and put it down to think is an instant five-star for me. This book had me doing that on several occasions.
While many pages were bookmarked, here are a few choice highlights:
"Just because students make poor choices doesn’t mean we should remove that responsibility altogether."
"As teachers, we tend to want class to run smoothly. We like things to be neat and tidy. Students are still learning how to live life, and the way they think and operate creates a hot mess in our classrooms. Instead of avoiding those messes, we’ve got to pull on our rubber boots and wade through the mess with them. Yes, it requires time and patience, but it’s also how we can help them learn to make better decisions in the future."
I love the fact the authors don't just offer a tool or method and say, "This is all you need." Instead, they look at the realities of the modern classroom and offer steps to get to a better place.
This book will get a teacher to re-think what their idea of useful work for students is... regardless of whether they assign it for homework or not.
February 28, 2019
Ditch that Homework
By Alice Keeler and Matt Miller
Summary
Talk about a catchy title. Ditch that Homework definitely grabs the reader’s attention at first glance with its somewhat controversial title but lends itself as a useful tool for both teachers and parents and provides a convincing and practical argument to not giving homework.
I first learned of this book from a colleague in my EdTech Cadre who praised as to how it changed his perspective on homework and how well it was written. I have to agree that the book is an easy read with just over 150 pages, many of which include a large font and an assortment of diagrams. The playful yet insightful tone of the authors, Matt Miller and Alice Keeler, creates an experience in which a teacher such as myself can relate to and learn from in a pleasant way. As a parent or even someone who is simply curious about the idea of homework, this book provides both anecdotal reasoning in addition to meaningful and relative data that appeals to a wide audience.
Alice and Matt switch off their narration throughout the book, which provides for a fresh and varied way to present information. What I found interesting is that it also references many other educators.
“Homework often requires parent assistance, which is unfair. Homework is independent practice-not a second job for parents.”
-Jack Jarvis, Retired Teacher and Parent (Miller & Keeler, 2017)
The main narrative is that Keeler and Miller try to paint a picture in which homework appears to have more disadvantages than advantages. Ditch that Homework references many studies:
Homework can lead to obesity and ADHD (Galloway, Conner & Pope, 2013)
Homework discriminates against low-socioeconomic households (Wallace, 2015)
Homework is “unnecessary and damaging” (Boaler, 2015)
The book shifts in a way that suggests an alternative for educators. The idea is to obviously increase learning but to go about it in a means other than assigning homework. Keeler and Miller then dedicated a good portion of their writing by focusing on 21st-Century Learning. One in which strays away from the teacher-centered classroom to a student-driven model. They go on to emphasize the power of student creativity, getting away from lecture, promoting parent involvement and providing effective feedback. All of which helps create a great read and some powerful reasoning behind no longer assigning homework for students.
Critique
Not too much to critique considering I liked the book so much. If anything, I believe the title of the book is somewhat misleading. Although the authors definitely talk about the benefits of NOT assigning homework, they do so for only a portion of the book. It then goes in a direction in which some readers may feel is very broad and tries to cover too many topics in such a small section. Audiences who aren’t digitally proficient may lose interest as a lot of the writing is geared more towards blended and even flipped classrooms which require technology.
About the Author
Alice Keeler is a very popular educator who I have come to follow on Twitter. Aside from her inspirational Tweets here and there she is known for teaching high school math for 14 years and is an advocate of Google (Miller & Keeler, 2017). Alice has spoken at my school district last year but had to cancel her session next month for an unknown reason. Needless to say I was bummed out that she couldn’t make it. She seems to know her stuff and is a great educator to learn from.
Matt is someone I don’t know as well but based on his mini-biography I learned that he has experience teaching in public schools and wrote a book called Ditch that Textbook: Free Your Teaching and Revolutionize Your Classroom (Miller & Keeler, 2017). He, much like Alice, is very innovative and can also be found on Twitter.
Miller, M., & Keeler, A. (2017). DITCH THAT HOMEWORK. San Diego, CA: DAVE BURGESS CONSULTING.
By Alice Keeler and Matt Miller
Summary
Talk about a catchy title. Ditch that Homework definitely grabs the reader’s attention at first glance with its somewhat controversial title but lends itself as a useful tool for both teachers and parents and provides a convincing and practical argument to not giving homework.
I first learned of this book from a colleague in my EdTech Cadre who praised as to how it changed his perspective on homework and how well it was written. I have to agree that the book is an easy read with just over 150 pages, many of which include a large font and an assortment of diagrams. The playful yet insightful tone of the authors, Matt Miller and Alice Keeler, creates an experience in which a teacher such as myself can relate to and learn from in a pleasant way. As a parent or even someone who is simply curious about the idea of homework, this book provides both anecdotal reasoning in addition to meaningful and relative data that appeals to a wide audience.
Alice and Matt switch off their narration throughout the book, which provides for a fresh and varied way to present information. What I found interesting is that it also references many other educators.
“Homework often requires parent assistance, which is unfair. Homework is independent practice-not a second job for parents.”
-Jack Jarvis, Retired Teacher and Parent (Miller & Keeler, 2017)
The main narrative is that Keeler and Miller try to paint a picture in which homework appears to have more disadvantages than advantages. Ditch that Homework references many studies:
Homework can lead to obesity and ADHD (Galloway, Conner & Pope, 2013)
Homework discriminates against low-socioeconomic households (Wallace, 2015)
Homework is “unnecessary and damaging” (Boaler, 2015)
The book shifts in a way that suggests an alternative for educators. The idea is to obviously increase learning but to go about it in a means other than assigning homework. Keeler and Miller then dedicated a good portion of their writing by focusing on 21st-Century Learning. One in which strays away from the teacher-centered classroom to a student-driven model. They go on to emphasize the power of student creativity, getting away from lecture, promoting parent involvement and providing effective feedback. All of which helps create a great read and some powerful reasoning behind no longer assigning homework for students.
Critique
Not too much to critique considering I liked the book so much. If anything, I believe the title of the book is somewhat misleading. Although the authors definitely talk about the benefits of NOT assigning homework, they do so for only a portion of the book. It then goes in a direction in which some readers may feel is very broad and tries to cover too many topics in such a small section. Audiences who aren’t digitally proficient may lose interest as a lot of the writing is geared more towards blended and even flipped classrooms which require technology.
About the Author
Alice Keeler is a very popular educator who I have come to follow on Twitter. Aside from her inspirational Tweets here and there she is known for teaching high school math for 14 years and is an advocate of Google (Miller & Keeler, 2017). Alice has spoken at my school district last year but had to cancel her session next month for an unknown reason. Needless to say I was bummed out that she couldn’t make it. She seems to know her stuff and is a great educator to learn from.
Matt is someone I don’t know as well but based on his mini-biography I learned that he has experience teaching in public schools and wrote a book called Ditch that Textbook: Free Your Teaching and Revolutionize Your Classroom (Miller & Keeler, 2017). He, much like Alice, is very innovative and can also be found on Twitter.
Miller, M., & Keeler, A. (2017). DITCH THAT HOMEWORK. San Diego, CA: DAVE BURGESS CONSULTING.
February 28, 2019
The title says it all, "Ditch that Homework" written by Matt Miller and Alice Keeler provides evidence that approaching different strategies in the classrooms can replace the status quo on homework. Both authors alternate chapters to persuade their readers through research studies, their expertise, and other teachers' experiences that homework does not make a significant impact on students. "Giving students more work to do at home does not increase the rigor of a course." (Miller & Keeler, 2017) Family activities, extracurricular, and student play are lacking in homes due to "busy work." Overall, ditching homework doesn't just impact the students, but families too.
Alice and Matt guide readers through possible scenarios on how parents would take ditching homework. They are relatable and give on point examples that we should expect from parents. Alice had many links and tips on how to connect with parents. There were social media examples of teachers who drop the walls of their classroom to communicate with parents. The book had an abundance of infographics that explain their methods of building solid foundations at school that involves 21st-century learning that will make successful learners. One that stood out to me was "6 Opportunities to Increase Classroom Efficiency.
Some include teaching students how to be flexible and reflective to adjust and strengthen their knowledge rather than recalling information.
Be prepared to combine best teaching practices with technology, because that’s what this book is about. You would think this book would focus on “Ditching that Homework” but only a small chunk of that is covered. What I appreciate about this book is that it is full of 21st-century ideas and platforms that can make an impact in any class. "A classroom website is a great place to post extra practice for struggling students or for those families who request for it." (Miller & Keeler, 2017) Miller and Keeler promote levels of depth of knowledge, differentiating instruction, 4Cs-critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity. "When choosing EdTech, we need to consider DOK for students. If it is teacher-focused and only level 1, using sparingly" Technology Coach, Shannon Doak. (Miller & Keeler, 2017) All of which engages students in learning and utilizing purposeful time when teaching students. Check out “The In-Class Flip” infographic.
Alice and Matt guide readers through possible scenarios on how parents would take ditching homework. They are relatable and give on point examples that we should expect from parents. Alice had many links and tips on how to connect with parents. There were social media examples of teachers who drop the walls of their classroom to communicate with parents. The book had an abundance of infographics that explain their methods of building solid foundations at school that involves 21st-century learning that will make successful learners. One that stood out to me was "6 Opportunities to Increase Classroom Efficiency.
Some include teaching students how to be flexible and reflective to adjust and strengthen their knowledge rather than recalling information.
Be prepared to combine best teaching practices with technology, because that’s what this book is about. You would think this book would focus on “Ditching that Homework” but only a small chunk of that is covered. What I appreciate about this book is that it is full of 21st-century ideas and platforms that can make an impact in any class. "A classroom website is a great place to post extra practice for struggling students or for those families who request for it." (Miller & Keeler, 2017) Miller and Keeler promote levels of depth of knowledge, differentiating instruction, 4Cs-critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity. "When choosing EdTech, we need to consider DOK for students. If it is teacher-focused and only level 1, using sparingly" Technology Coach, Shannon Doak. (Miller & Keeler, 2017) All of which engages students in learning and utilizing purposeful time when teaching students. Check out “The In-Class Flip” infographic.
April 21, 2018
Wow! Not only did this book (and the amazing educators who wrote it) reinforce what some at my school have been discussing due to our Challenge Success work, but it gave me so many ideas and tools as the lead Ed Tech person.
The closing literally had me tearing up. “Programs aren’t what make school successful. People are. When we have big goals, it’s easy to get focused on our plans and to try not to deviate from them.... when we lose sight of them (students), it’s like losing the true north on a compass.”
I am guilty of being so in the weeds that I lose sight and focus. Reminding ourselves that we do what we do because of the kids is everything. This book does that. How do we support our children to be amazing adults? How do we make learning meaningful? How do we make little changes of ditching homework to larger changes of ditching homework.
For anyone who is willing to look at their own practice and overhaul it, I recommend this book.
The closing literally had me tearing up. “Programs aren’t what make school successful. People are. When we have big goals, it’s easy to get focused on our plans and to try not to deviate from them.... when we lose sight of them (students), it’s like losing the true north on a compass.”
I am guilty of being so in the weeds that I lose sight and focus. Reminding ourselves that we do what we do because of the kids is everything. This book does that. How do we support our children to be amazing adults? How do we make learning meaningful? How do we make little changes of ditching homework to larger changes of ditching homework.
For anyone who is willing to look at their own practice and overhaul it, I recommend this book.
May 27, 2018
Let me begin by saying that I ditched homework this past school year. So I pushed off reading this book thinking, “they’ll be nothing in it for me.” I thought this even though I knew an Alice and Matt creation would be amazing. It is now Summer Break for this teacher and I’m already looking for and dreaming of ways that I can motivate my next group of kids. WOW! This book did not disappoint. So many knowledge bombs were going off in my head while reading. I read this book in TWO days. I couldn’t put it down. I’m so grateful for the resources that were shared. I cannot wait to implement these ideas in my classroom.
September 4, 2017
I wish every parent and teacher would read this book. Ditching Homework means teachers must ditch old, antiquated ways of teaching too! Alice Keeler and Matt Miller are on the forefront of education and have so many amazing ideas and strategies in this book. Apply them and your classroom will become a happy place filled with learning and excitement.
May 2, 2023
I am going to school to be a high school math teacher right now. My class was assigned this book as homework ironically but it brought up a lot of good discussions. I really enjoyed this book and think it is worth while reading even if you don't believe in not giving homework as a teacher.
The premise of the book is to change old habits to make them more engaging.
The premise of the book is to change old habits to make them more engaging.
August 15, 2017
Loved that the authors did not just cite research stating why we should "ditch homework.". This book is filled with amazing strategies and tech ideas to eliminate homework and make learning more effective and meaningful. Highly recommend!
January 22, 2018
Innovative, inspiring, applicable to your Classroom tomorrow. I think I put about 10 reminders in my phone of things to do right away Monday morning! Awesome read for anyone stuck in a rut with teaching.
July 29, 2019
As an English teacher, I would've appreciated suggestions about how to teach literature; however, that didn't exist. The value of free choice reads is important, though. I appreciate the tech tips, which I'll definitely use, and emphasis on mindset, also.
August 5, 2019
I really wanted to love, love, love this book, but I just liked it. There are valid points and techniques I already do in the classroom, but I still have SO many unanswered questions and I would love an English teacher’s perspective.
August 9, 2017
Kind of tech heavy, but a great resource to support a no-homework philosophy. Lots of varied ideas for any content area. Down with homework!
November 6, 2017
Good ideas.
I enjoyed this book, but I wish it had more ideas for English. I need those concepts. They are important to me.
I enjoyed this book, but I wish it had more ideas for English. I need those concepts. They are important to me.
November 11, 2017
I don't agree totally with some of the ideas, but it did provide some methods that can work in my classroom. I will check out its site for resources.
June 16, 2018
Preaching to the choir. This book made me like I'm heading in the right direction. Appreciate new tech tips for blended classroom. Easy read.
May 14, 2018
Thought provoking. I think this book pushes teachers to be more intentional and involved with helping students learn.
June 28, 2018
A short, practical guide with lots of research-based educational theory and also piles of useful resources. Highly recommended.
June 30, 2018
Thought Provoking
I have gotten a lot of ideas. This book as opened up questions to be answered and changes that can easily be made. I encourage all teachers to read this.
I have gotten a lot of ideas. This book as opened up questions to be answered and changes that can easily be made. I encourage all teachers to read this.
July 24, 2018
Excellent!
September 1, 2018
Fantastic read with real strategies for creating equity in the classroom by improving in-class work and reducing homework.
December 26, 2018
This wasn't really anything new to me or the staff who read it, but we have people with opinions all over the board. Lead us through some interesting discussions during a book study.
April 21, 2019
This book is good and I recommend it to educators, but it also sends me into a panic, as it asks me to change some of the habits that I have developed (mostly bad) as a teacher.
May 28, 2020
Some great strategies, but...
Not a focus on HW specifically.
Great suggestions, how-to's, resources and tools. Just dont let the title make you think it's all about homework.
Not a focus on HW specifically.
Great suggestions, how-to's, resources and tools. Just dont let the title make you think it's all about homework.
November 21, 2021
Really smart and practical.
January 18, 2019
Alice Keeler offers a new way to teach 21st Century learners in an innovative and thought-provoking way. She rejects the notion that homework makes, "kids responsible" or "we had to do it so should our kids." Her book offers a fresh perspective on what needs to happen in order to prepare 21st Century Learners for this new technological and idea based economy.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews