What's with homework?

Homework in and of itself is not a bad thing. So why do so many people, including some teachers, see it so negatively?

Almost certainly, when people are discussing homework they are not discussing the same thing and are not defining their terms. So when they object to homework, they object to the task or activity rather to than to the concept itself.

And as a corollary, they may not be clear on the purpose of the homework. Many educational activities are valuable because of what they involve or what they lead. For example, arithmetic repetitions for lower primary students are important in internalising number patterns and number relationships.

The two fundamental reasons, if not the fundamental reasons, for homework in the primary years are to develop (a) the habit of homework, and the skills of working alone, meeting requirements and deadlines, study skills and so on and (b) the values of autonomy and responsibility. With these objectives, the tasks are not as important in themselves as the habits, skills and values they inculcate. 

Which is why parents do not need to help their child(ren) with homework. Indeed, it is likely better that they do not. A parent's responsibility is to provide the support, reinforcement, and a quiet place to work. Keep in mind the story of the parent who complained his son had received a "C" on a science project because the parent had spent hours working on it.

So the next time you question homework, ask yourself "What is the purpose of this task or activity?"

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