The article that I read tonight Making Homework Meaningful was written by a successful high school student, Dominick Recckio. He surveyed students as to why they do homework. Some stated that homework is necessary for academic achievement. They build it into their schedule and make sure to get it done and they also study. There are the few students that are able to listen to the teacher and remember it. I have a friend that is an auditory learner like that...she is now a doctor. I was always envious of her auditory superpower. :) Other students that Recckio talked to believe that homework is not worth enough in the final grade to focus on it.
I remember having the most homework in fifth grade. My teacher was preparing us for middle school. I remember being overwhelmed by the large amounts of homework. I don't remember my homework serving a purpose other than making me cry and having our parents call each other each night to get answers. It didn't help me the next day in school with the next lessons. I was just getting it done to finish so I wouldn't get yelled at. Of course that changed as I got into high school and college.
Recckio goes on to state four strategies that helped students achieve success.
- Use In-School Time
- Do Homework in Period Order
- Use Social Media!
- Make Real World Connections
My favorite part is when Recckio states that "homework needs to be shown as important and assigned as something substantial, not busy work". So true, Dominick.
I am not sure how I feel about homework. I taught in a school where I would have kids who never did their homework. I was never sure how to handle it. Do I take away recess and make them do it then...no because that was my time : ) But then they got zeros which hurt their grades. I am not sure if it is worth it. Having said that I do know that things like practicing math and reading each night is very important. What to do ????
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