I have dwelled on this very question throughout my career thus far. At the moment I am ‘for’ homework with the following conditions:
- It be no longer than 15 minutes a night
- That it not be new work but rather revision of class work
- That students have time to read questions and see me if they need clarification rather than go straight to their parents in a panic
- That it not be given in busy or stressful weeks such as the week of National Testing
Why am I “for’ homework? Whilst ideally my homework would be to help set the table or to share the days learning with a parent, in reality it is not for me to prescribe domestic chores or family interactions. I then have to weigh up what is better for the child – the opportunity to fit in a bit of revision or the inevitability that most students will go home and vegetate in front of the computer or TV.
Child psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg disagrees with me:
HOMEWORK in primary school is needless, does not contribute to academic performance and adds unnecessary stress to families, child development experts say.
“It’s hijacking family life, it’s bound to cause arguments and it’s turning kids into couch potatoes,” said prominent child psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg.
Most studies show homework either has a negative impact or no impact on the achievements of primary school students, he said.
“The whole thing is a farce, it is modern-day cod liver oil; people think it’s good for them but it’s not.”
In a study, soon to be published in the journal Economics of Education Review, US researchers assessed 25,000 Grade 8 children and discovered only maths homework had a significant improvement on test scores.
Helen Walton, president of the Federation of Parents and Citizens’ Association, said homework, which is set by individual schools, was a source of ongoing family stress.
“Our position is we don’t like the ‘must do’ attitude about it, that if kids don’t do it there will be consequences. It should be optional. Homework is a stressful time for parents because kids are tired and hungry and distracted and it becomes a struggle.”
Educational consultant Dr Ian Lillico said homework for primary school children was a major contributor to childhood obesity.
The founder of the Boys Forward Institute and author of The Homework Grid, said homework should consist of interactive learning opportunities like a game of Scrabble with parents or a visit to the theatre.
Dr Shelly Hyman said daughter Samsara, 8, has too much homework: “The tears and the argument that go on, especially because my daughter goes to after-school care, where is the free time?”
What is your take on homework? Is it responsible for creating stress at home?
Topical Teaching 