"Why I don't assign homework" was right up my alley. I agree, and am glad someone has done a research paper to confirm what I have believed for so many years. The kids who don't need the homework are the ones that do the homework. Just like they are the ones who show up for parents conferences, PTA meetings, school events, etc. It's the ones that need it the most who rarely do the work or show up at any school events. So - what are we the educators to do about it? After all, it is still our responsibility to teach these students, no matter what is going on at home. We have to change what WE can, because we usually cannot change what is happening elsewhere.
Of course, we certainly need to figure out how to get a grip on classroom management, which each year, in my experience, seems to become more and more of a challenge. Then, we need to make sure we maximize classroom instruction and ENGAGE the students. We have to teach the way they learn best and differentiate the instruction to different levels of students. It is no longer (and really never has been) sit and get lectures that work best for students. It may be the easiest for the teacher, but not very effective in permanent learning.
I do like one of the bloggers comments on how he does his homework with the three parts of practice, regular, and challenge and all the students have to do the regular plus one. That sounds fair.
The main reason for the homework is to have the students practice, but all to often, the students don't have enough GOOD instruction to even know what they are doing when it comes time to practice for homework. They are still asking parents, who usually don't know either. So, that leaves friends. Many times they are doing the homework together or sharing answers on line. How much of it is really being done by the student alone for actual practice. But, at the very least, they are involved, socializing, creating networks, learning how to use the internet or other tools in order to get the job done.
Thanks for sharing this blog about homework. Interesting viewpoints.
Mrs. Vickie
I found a really good "homework" phonics book, that I make copies of and send home every week. Most all of my students do it which is unusual but I think they do it because it is quick and easy. So often parents don't know what to do to help their kinder kids and this is a step by step user friendly homework that they can see results with their kid's reading. Not only is it step by step, it also gives choices for activities, so it does not get repetitive and boring.
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