Apr 24 2007
The Homework Debate, Much Ado About Nothing?
During the course of Universal Design for Learning programs, we often come to the topic of homework. In the January 007 issue of NEA Today, the debate about whether or not homework is good or bad is summarized. Those opposing homework claim that it is “mostly useless.” Those in favor of homework claim that it helps to ceate solid work habits.
This article states that from 1981-00 the “proportion of elementary children reporting homework on any given day rose from 34 to 64 percent.” One hypothesis might be the introduction of high stakes testing.
I honestly have no opinion about the assigning of homework. In our programming, we usually fall on the side of intention. What is the intent of the homework? If the teacher is clear about what he/she hopes to accomplish by assigning homework, and has evidence that those goals are being met, assign away.
As a classroom teacher (American History) I assigned homework nightly. Sadly, I have to admit that I assigned it because it just struck me as the right thing to do. I think back now and try determine whether the students were better off for having done the homework. Did they develop strong work ethics as result?
I tend to belileve that this is much ado about nothing. Teachers rely upon practices that work for them. Some assign homework, others do not.
Do you assign nightly homework? Is there evidence that it works for your students?
I do assign homework as a math teacher. Standardized tests are, I am assuming, important in your eyes. I must assign homework so that students can practice their problems. How is a Junior High teacher the most important person in a child’s education if they see them once a day for 45 min.? Students need to develop RESPONSIBILITY!!! I tell the students all the time that they will never fail my class if they do their work and turn it in. Not following through with projects and assignments is what leads to lazy kids. Many of the items on this site will become the downfall of public education. You wonder why America is falling behind in education? It’s because the politicians want to stick their nose in it and make “Every Child Equal”. “News flash”: Most countries in the world don’t require every child to get an advanced education. We are holding our talented and gifted students behind because they have to pass the same test score as the lowest kids. Therefore teachers must teach to the lowest kids in order for everyone to learn something. I hope someday you get your wish and make all schools private. This way the government stays out of it and we can allow our brightest students shine and not be held back because of government regulations.
The comment, “Not following through with projects and assignments is what leads to lazy kids” seems backwards to me. I’m wondering if you mean to say, “Lazy kids leads to not following through with projects and assignments.”
I don’t have a comment about “lazy kids” other than, blaming marginalized and what you call “lower” ability youth does nothing to solve the problems of student motivation and academic improvement.
I am currently a public school teacher, embarking on my 8th year. Most recently I was a middle school teacher for 2 years. I believe that as the teacher, I am the most important factor in the learning environment. Everything – EVERYTHING that I do as the teacher impacts the students, for good or for ill.
In my most recent role, I served over 750, of varying cultural backgrounds, with a wide range of socioeconomic status, from the gifted and honors students, “regular” or average students, to the cognitive delayed students, to the emotionally disturbed. I worked with these kids in 2 different school buildings and you better believe that I walked into through those school doors each day knowing that I can and I will make a difference in the lives of all 750 students be it in a 5 minute interchange, a 40-minute whole class lesson, 10-minute one:one, or through the behind the scenes work that I did selecting and purchasing materials, getting materials into the hands of students, communicating with parents, working with teachers and administrators – serving, assisting, teaching, leading, challenging and fostering a love of learning in the lives of my students.
If I didn’t have this dedication and passion, a sense of personal pride in my work and a committed responsibility for serving all of the students, all of the time - what would be the point of my presence in the school?
The intention of the initial post was to frame the debate about homework. I realize that many teachers utilize it to great effect. I also realize that some use it because it was used on them. Homework is a great way to provide independent practice opportunities for students. I am not sure of its value as a teacher of responsibility. Consider this, if homework teaches responsibility, and the amount of homework has increased in the last fifteen years, shouldn’t student responsibility have increased as well?