Bookwork checks are a unique feature in Sparx Maths that encourages students to write down their workings, which helps with mathematical retention, exam preparation, and allows teachers to identify mistakes and misconceptions more easily.
What are bookwork checks?
What are bookwork checks?
Sparx developed bookwork checks in partnership with our early adopter schools, as a way to ensure students were writing down their workings without giving teachers the additional work of checking that they were doing so.
Periodically during a student's homework, they will see a bookwork check. They are given a code from a question that they answered recently and will be asked what the correct answer for this question was. We ask students to recall the correct answer to a previous question without showing the content of the question to check they have written down the answers and workings clearly in their books.
Why do we use bookwork checks?
Why do we use bookwork checks?
Writing down workings has positive benefits so we included this unique element of book working because it:
Improves mathematical retention (supported by research)
Helps students prepare for written exams
Makes it easier for teachers to identify mistakes and misconceptions
Builds good study habits
Bookwork codes
Bookwork codes
Each question presented to students has a code that is displayed at the top of the question screen
This code is formed of a number (which corresponds to the task number) and a letter (which corresponds to the position within the task).
Students must note down this code before they do their workings and answer their questions.
Using randomised codes helps make it harder for students to rely on guesswork when they are given a bookwork check. Students must write down their workings with corresponding bookwork codes
Best Practice and example of good bookwork
Best Practice and example of good bookwork
Students should:
Write the bookwork code before starting each question
Show all workings clearly next to the relevant code
Keep their work organised and legible
Remember that good bookwork means fewer bookwork checks - "the more you pass, the less they'll ask"
We only check recent and correct homework answers
We only check recent and correct homework answers
Students receive bookwork checks only for the questions in their homework that they have answered correctly within the last hour of using Sparx. Students do not receive bookwork checks while in Independent Learning.
They will not receive checks on:
Questions that they have not yet answered correctly.
Questions they completed more than an hour ago.
Questions from a different type of homework. For instance, they will not be checked on questions answered in their Compulsory homework while they are working on XP Boost or Target homework.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can bookwork checks be turned off?
Can bookwork checks be turned off?
Bookwork is an essential part of Sparx Maths Homework as it is vital to maximising learning and retention and it prepares students for the way they’ll need to work in exams. It should also make it much easier for you to provide support if they get stuck. They cannot be turned off for all.
If there is a particular SEN need for an individual student, please use your Help & Support button in your Sparx site to contact us to discuss this further.
Why do some students see more bookwork checks than others?
Why do some students see more bookwork checks than others?
Students who consistently show their workings and pass bookwork checks will see them less frequently. Those who struggle with bookwork checks may see them more often until their performance improves.
How can I help students who are struggling with bookwork checks?
How can I help students who are struggling with bookwork checks?
If students are struggling with bookwork checks, ensure they:
Are writing down the bookwork codes in their margin
Show all their workings clearly next to the relevant code
Have seen the example of a good bookwork page shown above so they know what they are aiming for
Record their answers as they go along. Regular book checks early in the term can help identify and correct any issues with bookwork organisation.