Homework

[tiggerblue10]

There have been questions raised regarding homework and whether it should be stopped due to family life and other reasons. I can't find a link but it has been talked about on TV over the last couple of days? What do you think?

Little Tigs gets quite a bit to do and has been since year 3 I think. I used to struggle getting him to do it after a days work and it would stress me out as a single parent. He feels he has too much to do now but it will get worse when he starts year 7 / secondary.

[barry1010]

I think homework is a valuable part of education.

[emmie]

its been a long while since i was in education, but do feel that it does give the child the edge on learning, and the fact is it gets tougher from here on in, and any extra curricular homework can't be a bad thing.

[sherrardk]

My kids got loads when they started year 7 but it seems to have tailed off now the things are in year 8. Girl, year 10, gets loads still but she is in express. Homework is meant to reinforce the topics they are currently leaning in school but a lot of it seems ill thought out, busy work - stuff that is set just for the sake of it.

[calmck]

Spelling and times tables should be homework as should reading.
Grandson has switched to a school, he is 9, and this is his only homework. However it is a new school, private and only 8 pupils so work is completed in class and he has improved enormously since moving schools. Grandaughter switched to an online school aged 12 so she can do her horse riding. She does have homework for each subject once a week, always due by the end of the following week. She finds this works well and it is not stressful. She needs minimal help and sets her own time table for this. The online school is great because if she has to miss a lesson due to horse shows the lesson is available as a video for a week so she can and is expected to watch and catchup

[rockyracoon]

Personally, I think is invaluable, it teaches independent learning as a skill, which will be a great advantage for A level and degree studies.

[bednobs]

9yo hasnt had any this half term

[davebro]

I don't remember much homework from junior school but I had lots of home learning from my parents and my older sister. The main thing I remember is doing mock 11-pluses.

At grammar school we had loads of homework. At least 90 mins every week night & more at weekends.

[LadyCG]

Personally I'd rather mine be doing studying / education than watching telly or playing the X box.

[pastafreak]

I'm a firm believer in homework. It reinforces the days...or weeks...learning, and helps with retention. It also establishes good habits, and the ability to do independent research as they get older.

[Peter Pedant]

// I think homework is a valuable part of education. //
the idea is to get the little blighters to work by themselves ( having been given a push) and this looks as tho it will be MORE important in the next 50 y rather than less

nothing like starting now

I found at tha age, rehashing english history and french a bit boring but Maff ( of course!) Phys and Chem allowed you to think ahead/other things

( and whilst I am here thx to Townend, Ball, Ensor, Serra for that!
You remember your good teachers. )

[Peter Pedant]

// At least 90 mins every week night & more at weekends.//
yeah I stopped at 1800h - variable start

[piggynose]

Well why is Finland( world leaders in education) not pro- homework?

[Peter Pedant]

oh is it time for a rehash of:
accty evg class - where to get learning materials
Me: you lot have no idea your are alive. 30y ago - Law case? get into a car and drive down to building wiv Law Library over the door. get in may cost £500 - that is the subscription per year. Go to Law Citator - Smith v smith you are fixed - hope for Hargreaves v bretherton. Note citation. Select law book - AER OK AC probably not for this case. Read case. Photocop 10p a sheet. Drive home
( now on Bailii or gov law reports)

The Polka said: in Varsarva! - there would be one university library textbook. we didnt have photocopiers. you booked the book in the uni library in Varsarva. It was for three hours. You copied out that book for that time. Then there was someone else. It was 24 h a day. On your way out you rebooked your nexty slot. 3am Wed

The others in the room looked doubtful

[Peter Pedant]

// Well why is Finland( world leaders in education) not pro- homework?//

why do the chinese write their maff in chinese - and THEY seem very good at it

(Big stinko 1980 when the processing of they liddle electric impulses seemed more akin to a chinese character ( or japanese ) than a concat of letters like "ADD" - and this they thought would give the chinese ( and Japanese less of them of course) the edge on the next set of chips design. - the RISC chip really got them going. It didnt.)

[jourdain2]

Homework is essential. It teaches self-discipline for one thing. Educationally, it is a check, reaffirmation and extension on how much has sunk in during the lessons. It is an opportunity for self-expression as well. E.g. English essay homework - believe me, the workload of marking essays is one I could well have done without (often marking at midnight). Very often creative sparks would emerge which would not have had the chance to do so in lesson-time.

When teaching art - the weekly sketch/drawing on set subjects developed techniques and visual acuity which could not be achieved in lessons - and gave scope for creativity.

Younger pupils should learn (at least) spellings and Times Tables at home - it involves the parents and provides the necessary repetition to get them firmly embedded.

[davebro]

Having said that I think today's children seem much more savvy than I was at the same age. Times change & the things you ought to know change too. Why think for yourself if you can instruct a machine to think better & faster?

[david small]

Homework. I didn’t get to where I am today by doing homework.
Would you like fries with that?