Purposes of Homework

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Homework:

* is a valuable part of schooling

* allows for practicing, extending and consolidating work done in class

* provides training for students in planning and organizing time

* develops a range of skills in identifying and using information resources

* establishes habits of study, concentration and self-discipline which will serve students for the rest of their lives

* strengthens home-school links

* reaffirms the role of parents and caregivers as partners in education

* provides parents and caregivers with insights into what is being taught in the classroom and the progress of their

          children

* challenges and extends

General Principles

Homework is most beneficial when:

* it reinforces and extends class work and consolidates basic skills and knowledge

* it is challenging and purposeful, but not so demanding that it has adverse effects on the student’s motivation

* students take responsibility for their homework, supported by their parents or caregivers

* it is well coordinated and teacher expectations are well communicated

* it is set on a regular basis and establishes a routine of home study

* teachers set suitable amounts of homework which are varied and at an appropriate level considering the age,

         stage of schooling and capabilities of students

* it takes into account students’ home responsibilities and extracurricular activities such as clubs, sport and part-

         time employment

* it is marked promptly and accurately

* feedback and follow-up are provided regularly to students

* it develops and extends the core learning skills of inquiry and independent study.

Types of Homework

The amount of time that students are expected to spend on homework will depend upon the age, ability, home environment and extracurricular activities of students, including family and cultural obligations. It is important that students of all ages have opportunities for free time, leisure and physical activities outside of school.

Homework is usually assigned Monday-Thursday for approximately 60 minutes. This is appropriate for 6th grade. It is assumed that students will read at home in addition to the 60 minutes. Often, long range projects are assigned, and students need to learn to manage their time so projects are completed in a timely manner. This management or mismanagement of time could change the average nightly minutes.

The Three Main Types of Homework Are:

Practice exercises - providing students with the opportunities to apply new knowledge, or review, revise and

           reinforce newly acquired skills, including:

* consolidation exercise e.g. math, including memorization of tables

* practicing for mastery e.g. spelling words

* revising information about a current topic

* practicing words or phrases learned in a language other than English

* reading for pleasure

* essay writing.

Preparatory homework - providing opportunities for students to gain background information on a unit of study

           so that they are better prepared for future lessons, including:

* background reading

* reading e.g. English text for class discussion

* researching topics for a class unit of work

* collecting items e.g. geometric shapes.

Extension assignments - encouraging students to pursue knowledge individually and imaginatively, including:

* writing e.g. a book review

* making or designing something e.g. an art work

* investigations e.g. science, social science

* researching e.g. history, local news

* information and retrieval skills eg. using a home computer to find material on the Internet

* monitoring e.g. advertising in particular newspapers.

Expectations

Parents and caregivers can help by:

* taking an active interest in homework

* ensuring that there is time set aside for homework

* encouraging and supporting students to complete homework

* providing, where possible, a dedicated place and desk for homework and study

* encouraging their children to read and take an interest in current events

* assisting teachers to monitor homework by signing completed work if requested

* communicating with teachers any concerns about the nature of homework and their children’s approach to the

            homework

Teachers can help by:

* explaining to students and their parents or caregivers the purpose and benefits of homework

* ensuring students and parents or caregivers are aware of the school’s homework policy

* providing quality homework activities related to classwork

* setting a suitable amount of relevant homework which is appropriate to the ability of each student

* ensuring that students are aware of what is expected of them, and how their work will be assessed

* giving students sufficient time to complete their homework, taking into account, as far as possible, competing

            home obligations and extracurricular activities and homework set by other teachers

* marking homework promptly and appropriately, maintaining homework records and providing feedback to

            students and parents or caregivers

* alerting parents or caregivers of any developing problems concerning their children’s homework and suggesting

            strategies that they can use to assist their children with their homework.

Students can help by:

* being aware of the importance of homework

* being aware of their school’s homework policy

* completing homework within the given time frame

* alerting parents or caregivers to homework expectations

* seeking assistance from teachers and parents or caregivers when difficulties arise

* showing their homework to their parents or caregivers

* ensuring homework is of a high standard (Neatness is important!)

* organizing their time to ensure that sufficient time is given to quality homework within set deadlines.