The Great Homework Debate – “It doesn’t have to be that kitchen chore every day”
If I got a dollar for every time I asked one of my kids if they did their homework, I’d be a millionaire a couple of times.
They’ll put it off, avoid it until bedtime, argue with me about why they’re doing it, and very rarely do it unless reminded. Especially in the winter months when daylight is scarce, I resent the time at the kitchen table when they could kick a ball outside before dark or extracurricular activities beckon.
When President Michael D. Higgins recently said he believes time at home should be spent doing other creative things, parents everywhere hoped that the dreaded “H” word would finally be sent to the education garbage heap. His comments were quickly followed by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, who said homework had its place, but there shouldn’t be too much of it.
The National Parents Council (NPC) says that when it comes to homework in elementary school, it’s not as straightforward as an all-or-nothing approach. Executive Director Áine Lynch points out that there is a wealth of research showing that the more parents engage in their child’s learning, the better the outcomes for the child.
However, Ms Lynch believes there is room for change and now is the perfect time to revisit homework as the primary school curriculum is currently undergoing a review and redevelopment mandated by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) is conducted.
Their preliminary results show that many children see homework as important for their learning and future
She says there is a real opportunity to put homework on a different footing to be used as a natural place of connection between home and school. By devising ways for teachers to be more creative with homework, parents could become more involved in their children’s learning, she says.
Far from being a nuisance, this could be done in a simple way, with teachers promptly asking parents questions about subjects the children have been learning at school. “It doesn’t have to be that agonizing sitting at the kitchen table. It could be simple things to discuss in the car on the way to an activity,” Ms Lynch said.
She points out that the anxiety and stress caused by homework is still a problem that the NPC helpline gets a lot of calls about.
In her groundbreaking study, which has yet to be published, primary school teacher and PhD student at Dublin City University (DCU) Helen Fitzmaurice asked children how they felt about homework.
Ms. Fitzmaurice hopes her PhD will give children a voice on this often discussed topic, where they are seldom heard, and will inform policy in this area. Her research is funded by the Irish Research Council as well as the Teaching Council and a grant from the DCU.
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President Michael D. Higgins recently raised hopes that homework might be a thing of the past. Photo: Gerry Mooney
According to Ms Fizmaurice, international research shows that children’s views are mixed – some enjoying it while others are less interested.
Their preliminary results show that many children see homework as important for their learning and future. “A lot of them are very future-oriented and think that doing homework will get them a place at college or a job that they want,” Ms. Fitzmaurice said.
However, the almost 200 fifth graders she interviewed from different school types were enthusiastic that project work and games were more enjoyable when it came to the type of homework they prefer, saying she was more creative in assigning different types of homework.
“They want more variety in their homework. Much of the work takes place in the core subjects of English, Irish and Mathematics. They’d like more flexibility in where they could decide which nights they want to do it, and maybe they’re doing it at a time when they’re not as busy,” Ms Fitzmaurice said.
Out of 180 responses, Ms Coghlan said most were happy with the little homework their children were given
According to Teresa Coghlan, Principal of Scoil Cliodhna Community National School in Carrigtwohill, Co Cork, there is a lot of international research showing that homework has limited benefits for children. She says that homework at Scoil Cliodhna is fairly limited and although they do grade homework, they are mainly used as a means of communication between teachers and parents.
“Learning takes place during our contact apprenticeship. Time outside of school should be spent in games and with family.
“We don’t have homework in September as the kids adjust to their new routine. In December, homework is just an act of kindness and we have active homework in June because the weather is nicer,” Ms Coghlan said.
“This is where we need Michael D. Higgins to talk about. Sometimes teachers feel that parents might judge them if there is no homework. We teach what children need to learn, but sometimes teachers feel under pressure.”
As part of a recent self-evaluation process, the school asked parents how they felt about the homework. Out of 180 responses, Ms Coghlan said most were happy with the little homework their children were given. “We have a bit mainly as a communication tool. It keeps the way open for parents. The job of teachers is to teach at school – that’s what the school day is for,” she said.
A spokesman for the Department of Education said: “Schools are free to have their own homework policy, but are not required to have a published policy on the subject.”
https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/education/the-great-homework-debate-it-doesnt-have-to-be-this-chore-at-the-kitchen-table-every-day-42328981.html The Great Homework Debate – “It doesn’t have to be that kitchen chore every day”