Homework: Too little? Or not enough?
Homework
Homework seems to be a topic of interest lately. Of course, this is because school has started back. Parents and students have both gotten out of the habit of having homework to complete. As a teacher, it is important to assign homework because the practice continues to help students master the concepts being taught. Homework also allows the parents to see what is being taught and to see how their student is doing in learning the concept. However, how much is too much? This is a question that will be answered two different ways. The teacher will answer it one way and the student and parents will answer it an entirely different way.
So, let's dive into the subject of homework, why we have it, and why it is important to complete the homework each night. First of all, homework is assigned to give the student an opportunity to practice what they have been taught. It is one thing to complete an assignment in class together as a group, but it is entirely different for a student to complete homework without his/her class working together. Homework helps each individual student learn how to work through an assignment, whether it is math, or English. I often tell my students when completing their math worksheet each day that if they can explain how to solve the math problem then that means they understand the concept being taught.
The question is still unanswered though. How much is too much? Is it too little? Busy work is not what I would consider homework. Homework should continue to help the student master the concept. If this is actually why homework is given, then why do parents and students complain that there is too much homework? The answer is pretty simple. Parents are so busy and have their students involved in so many things other than academics that students think that homework is an option. No, homework is an assignment and students do not get the option of deciding whether or not they will complete it. If you are allowing your student to choose to not do the homework, then you are not coming along side of their teacher, or the school to provide the best education possible. You are actually working against what the teacher and school are trying to teach. If you, as a parent, feel that there is too much homework and not enough time to get it all completed, maybe the first place to go would be directly to the teacher. It seems as though parents and students are lashing out at teachers when in reality they should ask themselves what is more important? Is my child important enough to make sure they have time to do their homework, or is their extracurricular activity more important.
In His Service,
Karen
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You have valid points in this article.
ReplyDeleteThe trick with homework is to give enough of a balance that parents are able to see what is going on with the kids. But, not so much as to exhaust a tired student who has already worked all day long and has nothing left to give. Another consideration is whether or not the students are at the age where they are having after school activities that might be a hinderance to their completing rigorous homework. This year, I have "flipped" my instruction and students go home to watch the upcoming lesson for math and either ELA or Social Studies. I've had FANTASTIC responses from this! It serves as a first exposure to the material and when they come in the next morning, they re-watch and complete the bookwork practice that is covered in the video.
ReplyDeleteYou are exactly right! Find that balance so that parents can see their students working and showing what they have learned, but making sure it is not so much that they get frustrated. I like that idea of a flipped classroom! I have studied that and it is a very creative idea. Some will grasp it right from the start but those who need help will be able to get that from you the next morning! Thanks for the idea!
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