Teachers on homework – how important is it?

Homework is a fact of life. Schools have policies on it; teachers set and mark it (usually!); and parents assume that it’s important. However, you often hear doubts being expressed when parents discuss this topic. There’s a huge amount of effort that goes into getting children to do homework. Is it worth it? What do teachers really think about it?

Recently I sat down with three teachers who are also parents of children who have to do homework set by other teachers. Each has a child in Year 2. And each has taught Year 2 herself within the last few years. What do they think about homework for 7-year-olds?

‘Frankly, I think a lot of it can be a waste of time,’ said Marilyn. ‘It’s given because teachers believe that parents expect it. But, let’s face it, if a child can already do the work, why keep repeating it? And if they can’t do it, then what’s the point of demanding that it be done at home, putting pressure on family life?

‘On the other hand, some homework is good when it builds on what is happening in the classroom. Children may gather material or information that will be discussed in class the next day. It also gives parents a window on their children’s learning; if they’re astute, they get to know a lot about their child as a learner.’

Homework for parents

Janine’s main complaint is that much homework seems to be set for parents rather than their children.

‘You wouldn’t believe the number of projects I’ve found myself working on after the kids have gone to bed,’ she said.

‘Some of the demands are beyond the capacities or interests of the children. But my education is improving in leaps and bounds.’

Marilyn, however, is less critical.

‘Last week Tom had to make a moving toy for homework,’ she said.

‘My husband’s an engineer who just wants to relax after a busy day at work. But he got fired up with ‘helping’ to make this toy. He and Tom sat for hours talking about energy and rotation and balance, and ended up making something that was really clever. It was the best parent-child quality time I’ve seen for ages!’

Relevant activities

‘Well,’ said Sandra, ‘I’m pleased with the homework that Sarah is bringing home this year. Each Monday we get a sheet that contains a brief note from the teacher telling us what the educational program will be focusing on. Then we have some English and Mathematics which require minimum parental help, but which give us a clear understanding of what’s happening in class. Then the children are given a major activity to do in the coming week: some idea for helping around the home, an environmental activity or something that requires generous use of time or energy in the interest of other family members.’

‘And, of course, there is the school’s reading-at-home program which operates successfully right through to Year 6.’

For the school-home conversation

All of these parent-teachers agree that out-of-classroom learning opportunities are important. But, if homework is to take its place in a well balanced life, it must be relevant and interesting, and it must respect the many other legitimate demands on out-of-school family life.

Homework is a topic that should have an important place in the home-school conversation. A survey of parent opinions about what seems to be helping their children become better learners would be a great place to start, and would increase the relevance and usefulness of any school homework policy.

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