Kerryn Boogaard Kerryn Boogaard
Beverly Goldsmith Beverly Goldsmith
Zoe Bingley-Pullin Zoe Bingley-Pullin

Parents: involve yourself in school, not homework:

A new book says homework should be reformed and also gives a strong message to parents.
By Bonita Mersiades
Date: October 24 2012
Editor Rating:
dog_ate_homework

Homework needs some homework.

That’s the conclusion of two researchers who have just published a book for teachers, parents, policy makers and even students entitled Reforming Homework: Practices, Learning and Policies.

Professor Mike Horsley of Central Queensland University and Professor Richard Walker of the University of Sydney conclude that how much homework a student does has little bearing on their academic performance and educational outcomes.

But, in what might be disappointing news for some students, they do not advocate the abolition of homework but recommend that the concept of homework needs reform.

“We believe there should be a homework curriculum, just as there is a curriculum,” Mike Horsley told me.

“We are saying to teachers to ask themselves ‘what is the nature and purpose of the homework?’.

“Homework that is merely reviewing what’s been taught in the classroom has very little benefit,” Professor Horsley said.

“Students need to build skills outside the classroom that develop autonomy, the capacity to plan and manage time, independent research and independent thinking. That means homework should be challenging, but not too challenging, and not just going over what they learned that day or earlier in the week.”

The book also looks at extensive research on the value of homework, how it has evolved, and the relationship between homework and motivation and homework and academic achievement particularly in the United States and Germany.

Professor Horsley said many teachers are not supportive of homework and provided valuable input to the study.

“Teachers intuitively understand that homework does not necessarily help. The key is less homework but of higher quality.”

The professors also do not prescribe how much homework there should be.

“We’ve looked at all the research and there is no reliable evidence on how much time should be allocated to homework,” said Richard Walker.

Schools should develop a ‘homework policy’ with the school community involving teachers, parents and students that balances what is taught in the classroom, activities outside the classroom and homework.

The book also gives some critical advice to parents.

“If you wish to encourage learning, the most effective thing you can do is involve yourself in their school life,” Professor Horsley said.

“This is much more important than helping them with homework as it creates the conditions and expectations that learning is important and school is important. This is a significant factor in how your child does at school.”

That involvement can come from assisting in the canteen, being on the school committee, helping to organise a sports day or a variety of other activities.

“But our message to parents is - homework isn’t the way to be involved,” says Professor Walker.

“That last minute rush to help with an assignment, which most parents do, is not beneficial. If your child is late, they are late: let them deal with the consequences, but don’t get in there, become too controlling and tell them how they should do it or what they should do.” 

Share This Tweet This Email To Friend
Recent Comments
0 Total Comments
Post a Comment
* your email address will not appear

Please enter the word you see in the image below:


Post a Comment
* your email address will not appear

Please enter the word you see in the image below:33343


Your Comment has been posted
Related Articles
my-school-welcome-page
The latest version of the My School website has gone…
Read more
aboriginalstudents
Gonski Report on education funding subject to further consultation and…
Read more
Cry babies

Dry your eyes!
The newest additions are on their way from the Babies who cry real tears!

Shipping-containers-freight-wallpaper-preview

Latest Tech Used In Shipping Containers
Read how the shipping industry has revolutionised

Motherpedia cover-2

Win 1 set of a 4-book hardcover illustrated boxed set
Barbara Murray’s new 4-book Sound Stories is perfect for parents and educators and could assist with NAPLAN results

Motherpedia cover (4)

Where to celebrate Oktoberfest Australia
Get ready for this celebration!

Motherpedia cover-4

A Fortnight of Foodie Experiences at East Village
A taste of East Village. What's in it for me?

Globber my too fix up cover

We Try: Globber My TOO Fix Up
A scooter that grows with your child

Throw a winning cricket pitch

3 Steps to a Winning Backyard Cricket Pitch
Ex-Adelaide Oval legend curator Les Burdett shares his tips for getting your backyard cricket pitch test match ready this summer

A bike that follows your kids life cycle - motherpedia - cover

A Bike That Follows Your Kids Life Cycle
Check out the Bunzi 2-in-1 gradual balance bike!

Moonlight lifestyle

Moonlight Cinema to bring…
Moonlight Cinema announces brand new Western Sydney venue

Screen shot 2019-11-26 at 8.29.12 am

Your Magical Christmas Wonderland…
Adventure park is about to light up the night sky with its "Christmas Festival of Lights"

Screen shot 2019-11-21 at 11.11.36 am

The Preston Market Gets…
It's time to feel pumped up for the holiday season!

Bruno-kelzer-zqzuigxcvrq-unsplash

Bunnings team members get…
Help raise funds by buying a snag or donating at your local store.