Homework Passes

I have felt like my seniors just aren't reading when I assign chapters in Frankenstein for homework. I tried pop quizzing and announced quizzing, but those aren't improving the class discussion and are hurting grades. So I decided to incentivize reading by giving out homework passes when students answer questions in class. The first day I tried it I noticed fewer students having side conversations and more students (besides those 3-4 really reliable question answerers) volunteering answers. Additionally, students would usually opt not to contribute if a topic had been covered but I asked for additional comments/answers; however, with the homework pass on the table, I received more responses from students who had slightly differing opinions...and that helped to spark more organic discussions as well. The whole operation feels a little hokey because they won't have an opportunity to use the homework passes once I finish with Frankenstein (unless I talk to Mr. Conrad), but for now it seems to be working.