Journal 6

Journal 6: “Ten Reasons to Get Rid of Homework (and Five Alternatives)” NETS-1

Spencer, J. (2011, Sept 09). Ten reasons to get rid of homework (and five alternatives). Retrieved from http://www.educationrethink.com/2011/09/ten-reasons-to-get-rid-of-homework-and.html

John Spencer believes in abolishing homework for several reasons. He believes students are too busy to have extra work after spending several hours in school, children need time to play afterschool, homework de-motivates students from learning, homework has little benefit as it fails to raise the achievement bar, it teaches bad work habits, and gives students the wrong focus. Instead, he advocates learning anywhere and everywhere, involving parents in educating their children, and treating homework as an extra-curricular activity. I agree with some of his points, but many I disagree with and find fault in. His ideas do inspire student creativity and facilitate student learning. The problem is that he is describing “the perfect student” who is self-motivated, genuinely interested in learning, and often self-taught. One major issue- not every student is self motivated or even has an interest to learn. Most students, especially at a young age, are disinterested in learning difficult subjects. If a teacher makes their homework assignments an extra-curricular activity, majority of students most likely would not participate. They would rather play outside and do other things. As a certified math tutor, I notice the major problem is students are disinterested in learning concepts in math. The only way I find that they learn is through repetition. There should be a balance however, study and play.

Although it would be nice to abolish homework, as a math major I understand the importance of repetition and homework. My math textbook has 50 practice problems in every lesson for a reason: students need to practice and apply what they were taught. Class time is primarily used to teach. Teachers do not have time to teach and allow students to fully complete enough practice problems to not assign homework. A better solution would be a compromise. Perhaps teachers can save a decent amount of time to allow students to begin their homework in class.

5 Reasons we Need Homework

1.       Homework increases the student’s knowledge through practice and application. Young students in elementary school or middle do not have the knowledge to know when they need to study. In fact, they would rather be outside playing than volunteering to study. Many students are disinterested in school and need a required method of study and repetition in order to learn material.  Assigning homework with a deadline forces students to apply their knowledge and study.

2.       Homework keeps kids out of trouble. Allowing too much free time at times may not be the best for kids with idle time. If students are given free time, they will talk, hang-out, and surf the internet. Few kids want to sit down with an educational book and educate themselves.  

3.       Creates responsibility and self-discipline. Projects, homework, and assignments with deadlines create responsibility in kids. They learn to manage their time, the dangers of procrastinating, and learn to turn in assignments by a certain deadline.

4.       Creates self-discipline. Students may not like homework, but it increases knowledge and repetition helps students to retain information. Assigning homework helps students to become self-disciplined as they complete an assignment that they may not wish to complete.  

5.       Homework provides teachers with the knowledge of their class and the students understanding.   When teachers review their student’s homework, they can learn how the students are doing in a certain area. They will discover what concepts students need help with, and the pace the class is moving.