Homework supports independent learning
By Mark Angus |
March 28, 2012, Wednesday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
SCHOOLS in general take the view that homework can make an important contribution to children?s progress in school. A good, well-managed homework program helps children and young people to develop the skills and attitudes they will need for successful lifelong learning. Homework also supports the development of independent learning skills and provides parents with an opportunity to take part in their children?s education. Homework is important at all stages of education and, when used properly, challenges pupils and ensures that their teaching time is used to maximum effect.
Homework can be defined as anything children do outside the normal school day that contributes to their learning, in response to guidance from the school. Most schools would acknowledge that the educational experience they can provide by themselves is limited by time and resources available; children can therefore benefit greatly from the complementary learning that they engage in at home. Homework is thus an important example of cooperation between teachers and parents. One of the aims of schools is for children to develop as independent learners, and most would argue homework is one of the main ways in which children can acquire the skill of independent learning.
Most schools believe homework makes the greatest contribution to learning when: tasks are carefully planned to support progression in learning as part of the school's schemes of work; there is a well structured homework timetable so the workload is appropriately balanced and everyone - teachers, pupils and parents - knows what to expect each week; pupils and parents are clear about what is expected in relation to the completion of homework, and parents are treated as partners in their children's learning; pupils are expected to complete their homework.
The purpose of homework for primary age pupils should include: developing and sustaining an effective partnership between school and home; enabling pupils to make maximum progress in their academic and social development; consolidating and reinforcing skills and understanding, particularly in literacy and numeracy; enabling all aspects of the curriculum to be covered in sufficient depth; providing educational experiences not possible in school; consolidating and reinforcing the learning done in school, and allowing pupils to practise skills taught in lessons; encouraging pupils to develop the confidence and self-discipline needed to study on their own; and preparing them for the requirements of secondary school.
(Mark Angus is former principal of BISS Nanxiang campus.)
Homework can be defined as anything children do outside the normal school day that contributes to their learning, in response to guidance from the school. Most schools would acknowledge that the educational experience they can provide by themselves is limited by time and resources available; children can therefore benefit greatly from the complementary learning that they engage in at home. Homework is thus an important example of cooperation between teachers and parents. One of the aims of schools is for children to develop as independent learners, and most would argue homework is one of the main ways in which children can acquire the skill of independent learning.
Most schools believe homework makes the greatest contribution to learning when: tasks are carefully planned to support progression in learning as part of the school's schemes of work; there is a well structured homework timetable so the workload is appropriately balanced and everyone - teachers, pupils and parents - knows what to expect each week; pupils and parents are clear about what is expected in relation to the completion of homework, and parents are treated as partners in their children's learning; pupils are expected to complete their homework.
The purpose of homework for primary age pupils should include: developing and sustaining an effective partnership between school and home; enabling pupils to make maximum progress in their academic and social development; consolidating and reinforcing skills and understanding, particularly in literacy and numeracy; enabling all aspects of the curriculum to be covered in sufficient depth; providing educational experiences not possible in school; consolidating and reinforcing the learning done in school, and allowing pupils to practise skills taught in lessons; encouraging pupils to develop the confidence and self-discipline needed to study on their own; and preparing them for the requirements of secondary school.
(Mark Angus is former principal of BISS Nanxiang campus.)
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