introduction

We discussed the importance of homework design in basic foreign language education under the background of the "double reduction" policy and the "curriculum standards", as well as how to reduce students' homework burden through action research methods, improve the diagnosis, consolidation, learning situation analysis, and core literacy cultivation functions of homework.

Of the problem

Through questionnaire surveys and interviews, it was revealed that students are not interested in and resistant to repetitive mechanical homework, and that teachers neglect the cultivation of students' thinking quality, learning ability, and cultural awareness in homework design. At the same time, it is pointed out that the homework types are single, the structure lacks coherence and progression, and there is no hierarchical design for students' ability differences.

The connotation of unit assignment design

The concept of unit assignment design was introduced, emphasizing the importance of designing assignments based on units, and how to improve the structure, coherence, and progression of assignments through overall design. At the same time, key elements that should be considered in the design of high-quality unit assignments were discussed, including moral education, comprehensive development, consistency between assignment goals and content, scientific effectiveness, diversity, and novelty. Finally, four strategies were proposed to reduce students' homework burden: clear goal hierarchy, diverse types, layered design, and real-world application.

research method

This article introduces the application of action research methods in reducing students' homework burden, including the steps of identifying problems, conducting surveys, determining problems, developing and implementing action plans, collecting and analyzing data, reflecting and evaluating, and writing reports. Multiple data collection methods such as questionnaire surveys, interviews, and lesson studies are also used.

Phase 1 Action Plan

A three-month action research plan was introduced, aimed at reducing students' homework burden by designing Unit 6 Chores homework for Grade 5, Volume 1 of People's Education Press Primary School English. The research team used methods such as literature review, questionnaire survey, and interviews to collect and analyze data. Research has found that homework objectives should be consistent with teaching objectives and content, and should be directed towards diverse levels of thinking. For example, the homework design for the first lesson includes listening to recordings, reading dialogues aloud, using mind maps to organize vocabulary, etc., aiming to consolidate low-level thinking goals and improve high-level thinking goals.

Phase 2 Action Plan

Introduced the second stage action plan based on the first stage reflection, which includes using visualization tools and diversified homework types to reduce students' cognitive load, controlling homework volume and duration, and estimating completion time through trial work. Improvement measures such as story maps and graphic prompts help students internalize language, improve the efficiency and quality of homework completion, and provide learning guidance and strategies through homework scaffolds to enhance students' confidence and sense of achievement.

Reflection on Action Research

Introduced a three-month action study aimed at reducing students' homework burden by improving unit assignment design. The research team has achieved the effect of optimizing homework design through multiple rounds of design, implementation, reflection, and improvement. It is proposed that frontline English teachers should systematically design homework, taking into account factors such as homework objectives, types, structures, content, difficulty, and duration, in order to reduce workload and increase efficiency.