http://www.rte.ie/news/2010/1008/education.htm
School homework has ‘no real benefit’
Friday, 8 October 2010 15:58There is little evidence to suggest that school homework in its current form has any real benefit, according to a primary school principals’ group.
In a submission paper to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Curriculum Reform, The Irish Primary Principals Network says the role of homework in the education system ‘requires serious research and analysis.’
IPPN says that principals and teachers have serious concerns about the impact of homework.
The Network has highlighted nine areas of concern in its submission paper to the committee.
It says ‘effective teaching in the classroom, which differentiates both children’s learning styles and learning abilities far outweighs any value of homework.’
‘Homework can often be the source of a huge amount of stress between parents and children,’ says IPPN Director Sean Cottrell.
Pointing to the fact that quality time can be scarce among families on weekday evenings, Mr Cottrell said it this time can often be spoiled by homework.
The majority of stress and strife around school in this house over the last 6 years has been homework. Not that it’s too hard but the resistance to doing it has lead to rows and tears. I do think that it can be good in terms of letting parents know what the kids are doing and how they are doing but there has to be a better way, esp when it only becomes an exercise in undermining a child’s confidence.
Most teachers have absolutely no idea why they’re even assigning homework! They had to do homework, the other teachers assign homework, so I will too. There are no benefits, at least until high school. And even then, the homework has to be high quality to really make a difference. Great post.