Journal 6

Spencer, J. (2011, 09 19). [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.educationrethink.com/2011/09/ten-reasons-to-get-rid-of-homework-and.html

Summary:

The author implores his readers through ten arguments to get rid of homework in their classrooms. The two I disagree most with is that students of all ages are busy. However as a child, I had a significant amount of homework and still managed to maintain my extra-curricular activities and learned how to manage my time effectively. Spencer sites unequal help ratios between parents who are educated and those who have very little education. Homework creates adversarial roles, is bad, confines work to busy work and is not effective, and finally  homework demotivates.  Spencer simply gives us a list to ponder these reasons and no solution just his feelings on homework and why he does not give it.

Question One: How can homework demotivate a child and how can we incorporate motivating work into the home?
Answer One:
The key in this is that homework, having done a huge portion of it myself truly does demotivate a child. Most children that I have come in contact with rush through it and try not to let it interfere with their home lives and I am not just talking about K-12 this happens in higher education as well. If homework is necessary, it should be a project done at home with a research component not a mindless packet full of things that the student may or may not fully grasp the concept of. Or another method can be found to keep kids practicing and engaged in the current theme of study. For example research projects in my opinion cannot be contained to the classroom or the school library, there is simply not enough time in the school day for those things. Therefore a portion of the home time has to be leaked into in order to accomplish goals or else we are short changing high school students out of learning valuable resources for college level work. 

Question Two: If equity is a problem in homework, can't a teacher offer to stay an hour after school to help students who need or want the help?
Answer Two:
Yes, I understand that most teachers do not want to interfere with their own personal lives and yes I agree that they are important too. However, I feel that if equity is an issue then reach out to struggling students and offer them your time and help. This does not have to be everyday, but perhaps on an early release day when teachers stay on campus anyway to catch up on grading and lesson plans. Even if it simply turns into a quiet room for students to study and occasionally ask a question about that days lesson, the teacher has gone above the call of duty and the student feels more comfortable asking for help. This availability may not be taken advantage of every time but most teachers stay after the final bell rings anyway so why not offer the time to your students.