An Action Research On The Design And Application Of English Homework In Junior High School

English homework is considered as an important part in students' English learning in junior high school.Meanwhile,it is one significant way for English teachers to gain an understanding of the implementation of teaching aims,students' mastery of knowledge and language skills.In addition,homework design is an indispensable component of English teaching.In the past,research on English teaching mainly focused on classroom teaching.The study of English homework design did not receive much attention at home.Based on some related theories such as Humanistic Theory,Multiple Intelligences Theory and Constructivism Theory,this study attempts to find out and solve the problems of current English homework design in junior high school.It mainly addresses two research questions: 1.What are the students' perceptions of English homework before and after the action research? 2.What effect does new type of English homework have on students' English learning achievements? There are 42 students from a key junior high school participating in this study.During the three months of action research,the instruments such as,questionnaires,interviews,and tests are used for data collection.Based on data analysis,this study draw the following conclusions: 1.Under traditional English homework design,(1)students have no interest in it due to the type of English homework is single without various interesting forms.(2)Students in a passive way to finish it because there are no more choices of English homework for them.(3)Students can't finish their homework on time.After using the new type of English homework,(1)students' interests and enthusiasm on English homework are improved.(2)students are actively to complete English homework.(3)students can finish their homework on time.2.Through comparison with the pre-test and post-test,the researcher found that the new type of English homework can effect students' English achievements.In view of the problems presented in English homework design,the researcher put forward the following suggestions in English homework assignment: As for the form of traditional English homework,(1)Decreasing the amount of mechanical exercises;(2)Reforming the design of English homework and creating more different types with interesting activities to attract students' interests to finish it.As for the content of traditional English homework,(1)Teacher designs English homework based on several theoretical foundations mentioned above and combining listening,speaking,reading and writing these four aspects organically;(2)Teacher adds various choices based on principles of designing English homework for students to choose,which suit for their different levels,like graded English homework.According to the three months of implementation,the problems both on form and content of English homework design get changed a lot in junior high school.Students almost can finish their English homework on time,and the quality of homework improved a lot,their enthusiasm and interests to English homework also strengthened and their test grades are also improved.