| Importance of homework | Frequency & duration of homework | Bibliography |
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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.
Importance 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.
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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
· 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
· 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
· 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
Y 1: 10 minutes of daily reading
Y 2: One to two 10 minute assignments per week (numeracy and
literacy) (Easter & Summer terms only)
10 minutes of daily reading
Y 3: Two 20 minute assignments per week (numeracy, literacy,
spelling)
15 minutes of daily reading
Y 4: Three 30 minute assignments per week (numeracy, literacy,
spelling, tables, occasional other subjects)
15 minutes of daily reading
Y 5: Four 30 minute assignments per week (emphasis on numeracy
and literacy including spelling, but also ranging widely over
the curriculum)
20 minutes daily reading
Y 6: Four 30 – 40 minute assignments per week (emphasis on
numeracy and literacy including spelling, but also ranging
widely over the curriculum)
At least 20 minutes daily reading
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Please note:
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
