Homework...a dreaded term that makes both students and parents alike groan internally. It's been a controversial subject for years among educators and the million dollar question has popped up time and time again....is it beneficial for our students?
Well, the answer is unanimous among most elementary school teachers - no. According to a book published by Alfie Kohn called The Homework Myth, there is no evidence of any academic benefit from homework in elementary school. As a teacher candidate in placement, I've observed this attitude by my associate teacher of her Grade 3 class; any work that is assigned is completed in class, whether it be worksheets, writing a story or completing an exit ticket. Even something as time-consuming as building a structure for a science project is expected to be completed during class time.
This anti-homework attitude has been echoed by parents of students as well. In a poll conducted among 800 parents, 65% of parents reported that homework-induced stress had negatively impacted their family dynamic.
Interestingly enough, the homework debate shifts slightly in middle school and highschool. The questions centre more around "how much homework should be assigned" and "what type of homework should be assigned" rather than "should homework be assigned at all." As students mature and develop their ability to retain information, they benefit more from homework according to research studies.
Some questions teachers may want to consider when assigning homework include:
- How long will it take to complete?
- Have all learners been considered?
- Will an assignment encourage future success?
- Will an assignment place material in a context the classroom cannot?
- Does an assignment offer support when a teacher is not there?
As educators, it is our responsibility to educate ourselves as well. It is important that we pay attention to the research and adapt our lessons accordingly in order to keep our students engaged and motivated to learn.
By: VeronikaL@NU
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