Learning from Homework

Although homework researchers such as Kohn (2006) state that there is absolutely no evidence of academic benefit from assigning homework in primary school, there is much research today that exists about how children learn and the factors that influence learning (Vatterott, 2009).

Using the experience that the teachers and leadership team at Newington College Lindfield have can allow for us to use the research available and put it into perspective for our students. Our teachers plan homework collaboratively and then reflect on the experience to provide creative and interactive tasks that engage the students at home.

If the boys are provided with such tasks they can successfully complete their homework using self-control, direction and regulation. When students can successfully plan and prepare their learning into small time frames using the support available to them without any distractions it would be hoped that the students are not bored by the homework but rather excited because they are using their own autonomy to complete the tasks that have been prepared for them.

As we are very aware, our parent body have a variety of opinions about the importance of homework in the daily life of their children. Although Pomerantz, Moorman & Litwack (2007) state that parental involvement in schooling generally (at school) positively influences student achievement, results for parental involvement at home positively influencing student achievement are much less consistent and quite mixed.

With this in mind it is important that for student success parents are actively engaged with their child and classroom teacher so they can involve themselves in their children’s homework to help maximise student learning regardless of any preconceived thoughts they may have on the value of homework.

For student success, take the time to talk to your boy about their learning. Some questions that you could ask your boy from time to time when they complete their homework could be:

• What are you learning?
• What are you learning about?
• What are you learning to do?
• Why are you learning this?
• Are you learning something new or practicing something you already know?
• Are you learning anything new?
• Have you learnt anything new today?
• What do you know now that you did not know this morning?
• Is the learning interesting for you?
• How does this build on your previous learning?
• Is the learning easy, difficult or just right for you?
• Do you think this the right kind of learning for you?

Enjoy listening to the responses your boys provide as it can give you a deep insight into the learning they are doing. It can also help you find out where your boy is heading as a learner which is very exciting.

Kohn, A. (2007). The homework myth: Why our kids get too much of a bad thing. Da Capo Press.

Pomerantz, E. M., Moorman, E. A., & Litwack, S. D. (2007). The how, whom, and why of parents’ involvement in children’s academic lives: More is not always better. Review of educational research, 77(3), 373-410.

Vatterott, C. (2009). Rethinking homework: Best practices that support diverse needs. ASCD.

Jackson English – Year 6 Teacher