WA


Homework


Definition of Homework

Homework refers to any work or activities assigned to students as an extension of classroom work. There are three types of homework:

1. Practice assignments to reinforce newly acquired skills. For example, students who have just learned a new method of solving a math problem are given sample problems to solve on their own.

2. Preparation assignments to help students get ready for future classroom activities. These activities may include doing background research on a topic to be discussed later in class.

3. Extension assignments such as project work. Students must apply previous learning to complete these assignments.

Importants of Homework

Research indicates mixed findings about whether homework actually increases students’ academic achievement. Many parents and teachers agree, however, that at the primary school level homework is important because it encourages good study habits, initiative, and responsibility on behalf of the student. As they get older, students develop the confidence and self-discipline needed to study on their own, and it prepares them for secondary school. It also promotes positive attitudes toward school because homework allows students to understand that learning can also take place outside of the classroom.

Role of Administrator

The Head of the Primary School should:

Communicate the homework policy to parents

Supervise the implementation of the policy

Follow up on students who are habitually delinquent with regards to homework

Role of Teacher

Administering homework based on the recommended homework policy

Writing homework assignments on the board; providing students ample time to copy the assignments in their diary

Clearly stating the purpose of the assignment

Explaining how the assignment might be carried out

Explaining and administering consequences for incomplete or late homework (consequences determined by the individual teacher, however, consistent with the school’s discipline programme, every three late/incomplete homework assignments may result in the student receiving one demerit – dependant on the discretion of the teacher)

Praising the student for completing assignments

Providing feedback and help if necessary

Role of Student

Students are expected to:

Write assignments clearly and neatly in their diary on a daily basis

Show their diary to parents

Complete all assignments neatly and honestly

Work independently and ask for help only when needed

Hand assignments in on time

Accept consequences for incomplete or late homework

Read independently (or with a family member) on a daily basis

Role of Parents

Parents are encouraged to:

Provide a reasonably quiet, suitable place in which the student can do their homework

Provide supplies to enable the student to complete their assignments

Limit after-school activities to allow for both homework and family time

Plan a homework schedule and time for the student (Allow for free time when homework has been completed)

Limit television

Encourage reading (Although a specific reading assignment may have been given by the teacher, it is important to note that parents should become actively involved and responsible for ensuring that the student is reading on a daily basis at home.)

Assist the student if necessary (Go over the assignment and ask the student questions or work through an example rather than simply giving the answer)

Check that all homework has been completed and sign the homework diary

Encourage the student and praise them when they have completed assignments

Frequency and duration of homework
Lower Primary
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3
  • Daily reading – 10 minutes
  • Daily reading – 10 minutes
    Spelling  - review throughout the week in preparation for spelling test
  • Daily reading – 15 minutes
  • Spelling   - 10 minutes a night for 4 nights
  • Numeracy - Preparation for tables tests
     

Upper Primary
Year 4 Year 5 Year 6
  • Daily reading – 15 minutes
  • Spelling – sheet on Monday and practice test evening before test.
  • Literacy – 20 minute assignment once a week
  • Numeracy – 20 minute assignment once a week and prepare for tables tests.
  • 15 minutes of daily reading
  • Spelling – sheet on Monday and practice test evening before test.
  • Literacy – 20 minute assignment once a week
  • Numeracy – 20 minute assignment once a week and prepare for tables test
  • Music – strings practice – 15 minutes 3 times a week (can include the weekend)
  • 20 minutes of daily reading
  • Spelling –  20 minute assignment once a week and practice during week for test
  • Literacy – 20 minute assignment once a week and
  • Numeracy – 20 minute assignment once a week & preparation for tables test (all tables).
     

Capable students may also need to complete assignments that should’ve been completed during the regular lesson time. These will be noted in the homework diary with an asterisk *.

ERIC Digests: ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary and Early Childhood Education, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL. http://ericeece.org

Homework: Guidelines for Primary and Secondary Schools, Nov. 1998, Suffolk, England: Department for Education and Employment. pp. 3 –16.

University of Minnesota (College of Education & Human Development)

  • http://education.umn.edu/CAREI/Reports/Rpractice/Summer94/homework.htm