Over the past several weeks a topic has been prevalent through many levels of conversation. At school, home, work, news outlets, Twitter, Linkedin, Facebook and professional development. Many parents, professionals, educators, and legislators have been struggling with the concept of homework.
What should be done, and how?
For many years it was common place for children to come home from school, and with a parent's help, sit at the kitchen table or go to a desk in their room and complete multiple assignments to be turned in the next day to multiple teachers. Days were simpler thirty years ago; Dad worked outside the home, Mom was at home as a homemaker, school day ended, work day ended, people ate together, there were fewer distractions, three channels on the television, no cell phones or computers, children could sit for longer periods of time focused on objectives, play outside was done when homework was finished, and most children played until parents called them in. Life has changed! Family has changed. The world has changed. Education has changed with it. Social evolution or de-evolution has brought about the need to adapt to changing social pressures or be left as obsolete; ask the 3.5 floppy disc!
The answer is really quite simple. Homework must have a true purpose, it must be concise and review concepts covered. Projects that are assigned need to be given ample time for completion. Many children will not have adults to guide them at home. Homework cannot be busy work or mundane. If you asked one essential question for students to ponder, you may get more interest than if you give a worksheet covering the same material!
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