School Homework
If teachers ever wanted to seek revenge on parents, all they would have to do is assign more homework. Just saying that word is enough to send shivers up the backs of many parents.
Everyone knows that homework is important. After all, it’s clearly impossible for children to prepare themselves for the modern world in just five hours each school day. But, how do you get kids to do their homework without a battle?
The first step is to understand the roles. When teachers assign work, it’s their job to check for accuracy and completion. Parents are responsible for creating a structure in the home environment which promotes the completion of homework. This requires the provision of an appropriate work location, supervision, and assistance as required.
When homework is not being completed, or is not being brought home, it is clear that the student does not care enough about the homework. Therefore, the decision-making transfers to the adults. At home, the parents should decide on a minimum amount of time which will be set aside each day for learning, whether or not work is brought home from school. If the child claims that there is no homework, then the time is used for reading, studying or working ahead on projects.
For teachers, once homework is assigned, don’t allow students to disregard their assignments or they will disregard other teacher instructions and directions as well. Don’t use the threat of low marks to bargain for compliance because this technique only works with the students who are already completing their homework. The only real question should be when the homework will be completed, not whether. It is important that this perspective be instilled in students right from the primary grades. Once the students are taller than the teacher, it is too late.
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