A colleague and I were discussing homework, its effectiveness, and parent reactions. Much belief in homework depends on school and parent expectations. Let me explain: one school sets high standards for students, parents, and educators. Everyone is on the same page and work load is an expectation. The other school hosts some families who do not favor education, be it belief (yes, it sounds crazy but many children AND adults resist the idea that education will get you places) or they do not have as much time to work with their child each night due to hectic schedules. I have parents say, "Well, I work the night shift then sleep during the day, what do you want me to do?!" I would like to say, "Be a parent, following up on schoolwork (and dental visits, breakfast, and clean clothes) come with the responsibility." But that is a battle I do not want turning into a war. So I simply offer suggestions, like have the student leave their completed work in the same spot every night for the parent to check.
I have also had parents complain that I give too much homework and their child can't handle it. Again, I would like to say, "I understand. Your child is already quite behind in school since they have never been in a habit of doing homework in school, according to previous teachers." But I respond with, "This is standard amount of homework for your child's age and ability and they can complete it as the rest of the students in class do. I have some ideas to make this work."
You may be thinking this is harsh, but I have seen what lowering expectations can do, and it is not pretty. Many students come to me performing below grade level, but I'll be darned if I am not going to push the both of us toward progress. If not, then what a waste of many many hours in (and out) of the classroom that would be.
There is another side to homework; the effectiveness, and I have done my research. Before I go into the practicalities of it, let me share one concept...homework is not just to practice what is learned in the classroom. Homework is a task that teaches children discipline. Many careers require adults to take the initiative to sit himself down and concentrate on a number of tasks, often on a deadline. Homework teaches children to set aside time each evening, in a conducive space for brain work. Lack of this practice sets one up for failure for high school, college, then the adult life.
In conclusion, homework is a valuable task that penetrates a much needed skill for adults. In addition, consider playing a sport that you never practice...do you get better? Most likely not! When homework is linked to prior learning it allows students to continue the practice and transfer the understanding, even when sitting in a different setting. So, for those who argue homework does not support academic success, I argue that, but there is more to it. Besides, it is the big picture that needs to be looked at, not one year's worth of grades.
Here are some useful articles.
1. You've gotta read this! If you're a research junkie like me, you'll be enthralled with the research. Don't be afraid if you have an aversion to reading research, this one's an easy read and all results are in the beginning. Don't spare yourself this one.
http://www.nctm.org/news/content.aspx?id=13814
2. National Education Association's (NEA) link has additional homework articles at teh bottome of their link. Read and enjoy!
http://www.nea.org/tools/16938.htm
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