by aggieteacher

Created on: January 30, 2009

Homework is a critical part of the learning process for several reasons. First, it reinforces what has been learned during school hours. Secondly, it provides an opportunity for the student to "use" the knowledge he/she has gained. It allows the student to develop thinking skills. Finally, it develops study skills and habits that will be used throughout his/her life.

Certainly there are teachers out there who are a bit "homework happy!" They give too much take home work and assign it way too often. As a teacher and parent, I value my time with my family and I care deeply for my students. Thus, I make assignments (always remembering that time is going to be required to grade them) that serve a purpose. I don't like my own children to have unneeded busy work, and I do not feel it's fair to assign such things to my students.

Assignments should be given that reinforce what is going on in the classroom. If my biology class is studing the cell, I assign reading beforehand, so that we can have an intelligent discussion regarding that subject matter. Then, after I feel we have covered the subject adequately in the classroom, I give an activity that helps them retain the important things. For example, I may have them sketch a cell and label its parts. Or, I may have them write an analogy and compare the cell and it's parts to a city or a factory. This helps them memorize the material that they need to know, but in a fun manner.

Of course, I also want my students to be able to "use" the knowledge they have gained in a practical way. So, in math, I may spend an hour explaining proportions, how to set up an equation using proportions, and how to solve those equations. Then, I might give some word problems that use proportions. This allows the student to both practice what they have learned and realize that there are practical applications for those types of problems.

In a literature or history course, I would want my students to take what they have studied and determine how that information could be beneficial to them or to society. Therefore, I would typically give an essay assignment that allows them to "put on their thinking caps," and tell me what they have gained from the study. There are plenty of controversial subjects out there that students can think about and give an opinion on in a paper, as well. This helps them learn to think and debate logically.

Finally, no matter if a student goes on to college or jumps directly into the real world, learning should be a lifelong process for them. It requires organization, motivation, and a set of skills that can be honed over their years in school. Each night of homework adds to those skills.

While students (and teachers) should not be overwhelmed by tons of worthless busy work, a certain number of strategic homework assignments can enhance learning and make it fun and worthwhile.

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