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Every night, across the country, a battle takes place in many homes. No, not in every home, not with every family, but the number of parents and children enlisted in this war are growing at alarming rates. But in this war, the recruits are drafted involuntarily. Parents are put on the front lines, expected to ensure that homework is not only complete, but also done well. Regrettably, the ever-increasing burden of homework sometimes leads parents and children into the battlefield with little training and resources. Perhaps the ‘fight’ song for this new military branch should be Jack Prelutsky’s poem.
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Homework! Oh, homework! |
eat spinach and liver, pet ten porcupines, than tackle the homework my teacher assigns. Homework! Oh, homework! You’re last on my list. I simply can’t see why you even exist. if you just disappeared It would tickle me pink. Homework! Oh, homework! I hate you! You stink! |
Unfortunately, research on homework is showing that this war is unnecessary and may not be worth the price families pay. The truth is, there is very little evidence to support the connection between homework and academic success. Although children are required to complete more and more work at home, many educators and parents are rethinking traditional homework assignments.
Below are three things every parent should know about homework in the 21st century.
1. The time spent on homework has increased dramatically in the last few years. A University of Michigan 2004 national study of over 2,900 students showed the amount of time children spend on homework has increased by 51 percent since 1981. The rise is especially noticeable in kindergarten through third grade.
In an age of increased accountability and pressure to do more with less, many teachers are using homework time to extend the school day. There simply isn’t enough time in the day to get through all curriculum expectations. Increased demands, coupled with decreasing resources, have pushed many teachers to rely on parents to help meet unrealistic expectations.
2. Homework expectations are not as systematic as you may think. On any given night, your second grade child may receive 45 minutes of worksheets, while the second grader in the classroom next door, could be assigned 20 minutes of reading and research for the creation of a family tree.
Although some districts provide time recommendations and guidelines, most do not. Teachers are on their own to make decisions regarding the amount of time and types of activities to assign students. Decisions are made based off a teacher’s experience, philosophy, and if provided, school and district expectations. Very few college courses or professional development opportunities exist to help teachers understand and design realistic, quality homework assignments. In addition, homework decisions are heavily influenced by tradition.
In other words, when your children open their backpacks at the end of the day, what spills out is more varied and random than most parents expect. Say hello to your evening entertainment.
3. Homework does not guarantee a child’s academic success. It may come as a surprise to many, but there is no evidence that homework is beneficial to children.
In The Case Against Homework, Sara Bennett and Nancy Kalish discuss the findings of a review of over 200 homework studies conducted by Duke University professor Harris Cooper.
“…according to Professor Cooper’s review…, there is very little correlation between the amount of homework and achievement in elementary school and only a moderate correlation in middle school. Even in high school, ‘too much homework may diminish its effectiveness or even become counterproductive’.”
Across the country, families are sacrificing large amounts of time to support their child’s education. Parents sit down each night to help children complete homework that may or may not be benefitting their child’s learning. It appears that homework can be compared to traffic school. A student may serve the time required, but that time does not in any way ensure increased learning or academic success.
Educators and parents generally believe homework is an American tradition that reinforces new learning, teaches responsibility, and prepares children for college and the work field. But the research is showing that the negative effects outweigh the positive. See the second post in this homework series on “7 Homework Challenges Too Many Families Face”. This post introduces seven of the many challenges that sometimes inhibit parents from best supporting their children.
As a parent, what are your feelings regarding the homework your children receive? Are you surprised at the lack of research to support the need for homework?
