A classroom teacher’s view on homework

I do see homework as having a function in the instructional procedure and I do not concur with Alfie Kohn (see post), who appears to think homework is worthless, or worse, has an unfavorable effect. While Kohn asserts there is almost no research that shows research to be advantageous, I did not see a persuading quantity of hard data to support doing away with all research.
Yes, the quantity of research should be based on the students age and grade level. As most Kindergarten-3rd grade instructors are self-contained, it needs to be fairly simple to give mathematics homework one night, reading or spelling one night, and so on to prevent overwhelming 5 to 8-year-olds. Research can be a divisive topic in the education neighborhood, and we hope you can value this teachers point of view.

When considering research, instructors find it helpful to communicate their policy with the households of their students. After recently completing a Learners Edge course, Jennifer Lindsey, a 4th grade teacher from Pennsylvania, showed on her homework approach which consists of the purposeful roles teachers and households play.

LE: What is your position on the issue of research?
When I address this question, I answer as an educator and as the parent of school age kids. I do see homework as having a function in the academic process and I do not agree with Alfie Kohn (see post), who appears to believe research is worthless, or worse, has an unfavorable impact. While Kohn asserts there is almost no research study that proves homework to be useful, I did not see a persuading quantity of hard data to support eliminating all research.
Yes, the amount of research should be based on the trainees age and grade level. As many Kindergarten-3rd grade instructors are self-contained, it needs to be relatively easy to give math homework one night, spelling or checking out one night, and so on to avoid straining 5 to 8-year-olds. I see research to extend learning.
Our textbook points out it can take 24 repeatings of an ability for a trainee to reach 80% competency. Kohn points out how students might end up being much better at remembering, however not believing. I see this as 2 different things; we require students to keep in mind specific truths and then move on to using those abilities as thinkers and issue solvers.
As a parent, it can be tough to squeeze in homework some nights! My own children have actually brought home assignments I believed too prolonged or improper for one night. We do the very best we can, and if we have problems or issues, I connect to the instructor. Understanding some trainees have little or no support in the house need to be acknowledged by educators. Again, excellent instructors make it a point to understand what some house circumstances might resemble and to customize accordingly. When possible, coworkers can work together, as explained in two extra course articles, by establishing a learning laboratory or including “Drop-In” times throughout the school day
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Research can be a dissentious subject in the education community, and we hope you can value this instructors viewpoint. We wish to hear your ideas about homework. What is your viewpoint? How do you communicate with families about homework?

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