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Is Homework Really Useful?

1/24/2013

4 Comments

 
According to a recent study analyzed by the Washington Post, homework does not seem to be as beneficial as many veteran teachers might profess. The analysis suggests that while the content on the homework may not directly affect he knowledge level of students completing it, the familiarization with exercises of this type will assist on standardized tests as they are similar. In essence, practicing via homework is akin to practicing for these tests. 

Alfie Kohn is an outspoken critic of homework and points out its potential detriments. In a piece published in Education Week in 2006 he cites a concern, "any theoretical benefit of practice homework must be weighed against the effect it has on students’ interest in learning." Certainly homework is a great way to practice content but if students get frustrated by it they will opt not to continue in their studies or attempt to get answers/assistance through unseemly means. 

In my own practice I have tried to allow homework to become a tool for feedback instead of a tool for a grade. At first I tried assigning homework (no more than 20 minutes a night) that was not mandatory and reviewing the answers the next day. Unfortunately, because so many students are focused on their grades they prioritized work for other classes and did not complete the homework. So I changed my practice and began checking it for effort and crediting it to their participation. I saw a marked increase in completeness but am unsure how many of them are working on it themselves versus taking it from other students.

I am still developing my thoughts on the subject of homework but cannot see the benefit of requiring homework to be turned in and graded on a regular basis aside from making the teacher crazy. A summary of a few research studies was unable to conclude any particular benefits, aside from noting certain groups may get more out of homework than others (interestingly, students of low-income background benefit less). 

Now, the question is how to put this into practice better? How does one argue with the status quo of homework when inertia is so evident?
4 Comments
Julie Berger
1/25/2013 12:07:38 am

This was a very helpful post! I am struggling a lot with how to use homework effectively, and I am focusing my GSE inquiry project on this very thing. Thanks!

Reply
MDD
1/25/2013 05:40:57 am

I do understand where you're coming from, and homework for homework's sake isn't useful.

Or is it?

Many of our students want to go to college, and they will indeed get homework there - reading and writing assignments that have to be completed before the next class Are we doing them any favors by not mimicking these conditions for them? The students who aren't planning on going to college will benefit too, both from the practice and the responsibility and organization that completing homework requires.

Today in that meeting we had 4th pd, we learned that the student had never been assigned reading at home before - hence his struggles with doing it now. If that student wants to go to college or any form of higher education, he must learn how to self-motivate to complete assignments at home - even when he's tired, sick or doesn't feel like it. Just that in and of itself may be what students get from homework - it's a lesson both for school and for life.

My 2 cents.

Reply
Lance Mullen
10/22/2013 10:23:43 pm

im a 7th grader and i feel like homework isnt really neccesary to do because it will just take time out of our day. when we could be outside playing and keeping ourselves healthy. so come on, lets stop homework

Reply
me
5/4/2015 12:17:58 am

I know exactly how you feel so im totally supporting no more homework!!!!!!!!

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    I am a math teacher in the New York Department of Education. I infuse technology and real-world problems into my curriculum in order to prepare my students for the future. I would love for people across the country to recognize we teachers can't do it alone. If you don't believe me, come visit my classroom!

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