Homework

I hate homework.

I hate homework.

I hate homework!

This is a common theme shared by students of all ages.  With students sharing such a strong disdain for homework, I begin to question the implementation of homework, the significance of homework, and the necessity in the educational setting. 

The concept of homework fires up some teachers.  Some educators feel homework is a large and necessary part of education while others see homework as a minor piece of the learning experience.  With extreme ideas about homework as an administrator, it may become important to set a common belief about homework within a building.

First we must ask, what is the purpose behind homework? Is homework used to reinforce skills previously taught, learn new material, or to complete work not finished during the school day?  If homework is used to reinforce previously taught skills, students should be able to complete it independently.  If homework is used to teach new material, or given when students have only observed the skills once then I can understand student frustration.  If as adults, we were given work that we had zero prior knowledge of, and were asked to complete by the next day, that would cause great frustration.  If homework is used with new material, then what is the role of the teacher? It appears students are expected to learn new material independently.

There are not many jobs where a boss would expect an employee to work hard for eight hours and then expect that employee to complete one to two hours of additional work at home on their own.  Often in elementary schools this is exactly what happens, with the added bonus that a consequence is received when the work is either not completed or not completed well.      

Homework has a place in education.  As an instructional leader, it is important to develop and communicate a set of common beliefs about homework.  Teachers work hard every day to educate students, it is then important to send home homework that does not undermine the work that teachers have done in class.  Homework is not to teach students new material. Homework is not an extension of that day’s lesson. Homework is to practice skills that have been previously taught.  Homework may have a different purpose in middle and high school settings, but from an elementary point, it is important I guide teachers to use homework as to tool for extended practice.