Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Homework and Practice
Parents and teachers sometimes have opposing views about homework. Parents sometime see homework as punishment; whereas, teachers view it as practice to develop skills. This brings me to a conversation I had with one of my student’s parents. During open house at the beginning of the school, a parent asked me how I feel about homework. Without giving me an opportunity to explain, he proceeded to tell me what he felt about it. He viewed homework as “homework for parents” not for students. He voiced his concern about the amount of time it took out of his evening. He suggested that there must be some type of deficit on the teacher’s behalf if she has to assign homework in addition to what she does in class. Basically, he did not understand “why a student would need homework if the teacher was effective” during the school hour. I listened to what he had to say; then added my thoughts. I explained to him that students need practice to obtain new skills proficiently. In subject such as mathematics and language, I feel that practice and remediation is particularly important in order for students to acquire new skill that will be built upon as the year progress. Even after explaining my view on this matter, he stood firm on his belief that “no logical reason for assigning homework.” He viewed homework as punishment for parents. What do you think?
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There are two camps in education when the issue of homework is brought up. Those who believe in practice after the material has been taught, and those who practice as a part of how they teach. I don't assign homework on a nightly basis, but when I do, it is just as you posted in your blog, in or for the student to practice the new skill that was taught. Technology permits us to assign homework that the students can interact with a site, or with each other, so the bottom line for me is it build discipline, structure as well as responsibility and accountability. You and I have to do our homework and if so we fail in front of our students, it is also the parents responibility to see that their child has time to get their work done. So I'm with you on this, it isn't just punishment for parents, it's positive for students.
ReplyDeleteWow, that's tough. I've had parents with similar concerns in the past. The type of homework that I assign in my 3rd grade class is a bit of everything we are doing in the class at the time. There's a little math, grammar, spelling, and writing. The number one reason that I assign homework is for students to practice what they've learned in class. There is another reason, too. I use homework as a tool for parents not only to see exactly what we are doing in class that week, but also for them to see how well their child grasped the concepts. I try to make it clear to my parents that everything brought home is review, there is no new teaching that should have to be done. As a parent myself, I actually like to see what my kids are doing in class through their homework. I know when they're doing well, and I also know when to give them a little talking-to about paying attention in class. Really, how would I know what and how they were doing each day without a little homework? They certainly don't tell me!
ReplyDeleteI am a high school mathematics teacher. I assign homework throughout the year. I use the homework assignment as a means for the students to practice new concepts. Furthermore, I use homework grades to help balance the fact that students can struggle on tests. I have found it to be an effective means for me to gauge student understanding of a new topic. The use of homework is a way to help students review a particular subject that was taught in the classroom. In order to ensure that students do understand the material, I give about 5 minutes of class time to start the assignment. This allows me to walk around and check whether the students have understood the lesson. Students have the opportunity to ask me questions about the homework. The next day, I start the class with a questioning period in which students can ask questions regarding the homework. I find that this gives the students an opportunity to rely more on me instead of their parents. I believe that most parents do feel that homework is an important aspect of learning. Some parents even ask me why I don't assign more homework. I would keep assigning homework in order to ensure that students practice outside of the classroom.
ReplyDeleteWow, I'm sorry that you could not make your point. I do believe that you teach a higher grade level than I do, so my opinion may not be as helpful. Anyway, I do not send home work that will require help from parents. Many of my students are left to complete the work alone, therefore why should I punish them if their parents are not attentive and involved? Some of my lower performing children may have difficulty, but I try to send home work that meets their level, but this is not everyday. Did you continue doing what you normally do? Is homework a grade?
ReplyDeleteTo Virgil: You know, telling the student and talking to my students about me being a student as well help encourage them to do homework too. My comment to my students about homework is that thoughout a life time we continue to be asked to complete tasks. Homework is one of life's examples of getting a job done. Plus, it helps me to see how I can help you. Nevertheless Virgil, I am glad support my view on homework.
ReplyDeleteValery to Amy: You stated," Really, how would I know what and how they were doing each day without a little homework? They certainly don't tell me!". My thoughts exactly...My kids rarely volunteer this information to me either. So, as a parent, I need to see a little evidence that your paying attention and learning something.
Valery to James: I too believe that most parents do not the same very of homework this particular parent. Many parents expect to see homework. I am one of those parents. I like to see what my kids are learning. This way, I can make myself available to them if necessary.
Valery to Sonya: I do continue doing what I normally do. Howvever, I don't assign homework no more that twice a week.I do give a "soft grade". I basically check to see if the task was completed whether it is correct or not. Then, then I discuss it and answer questions about it.
Valery -
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that you had a parent comment about homework taking away from family / evening time. I typically hear that from students. How homework interfers with their sports, time with girlfriends, tv watching and such. Occassionally I also hear how they are too busy caring for younger siblings.
I wish there was an easier solution. I am a firm believer that students need about 15 to 20 minutes a night to reinforce and practice the skills, formulas, words, etc they learned that day. No one, even Albert Eistein, was a genius the first time he tried something new.
What is the old saying - practice makes perfect? That is exactly what homework is - PRACTICE!
Stay strong - Nicole