Homework!

Homework! There is either too much homework, not enough homework, or no need for homework at all. These days, schools can not win no matter what their views regarding homework are.

Robert Marzano and Debra Pickering have some interested things to say about homework in their article, The Case For and Against Homework. It seems that attitudes have changed regarding homework in the last 50 years.

"Throughout the first few decades of the 20th century, educators commonly believed that homework helped create disciplined minds. By 1940, growing concern that homework interfered with other home activities sparked a reaction against it. This trend was reversed in the late 1950s when the Soviets' launch of Sputnik led to concern that U.S. education lacked rigor; schools viewed more rigorous homework as a partial solution to the problem. By 1980, the trend had reversed again, with some learning theorists claiming that homework could be detrimental to students' mental health. Since then, impassioned arguments for and against homework have continued to proliferate."

What is the right answer? At WCA we believe several truths about homework.

First, homework must be assigned in a qualitative manner (quality over shear quantity). Second, homework is an opportunity for each student to learn to work independently.
Third, homework is an opportunity for each student to work independently in a successful way.
Finally, homework provides students with opportunities to master organization and priority skills.

When it comes to being successful at the next level, whether it be college or life, these traits must be mastered or there will be no chance of success. Paul tells us in Corinthians that "those who run in a race all run" and those of us who run are to "run in such a way that you may obtain it (the prize)." There will only be one winner of the race, but we are all commanded to train in such a way as to win.

Homework is too important to throw out with the bath water, but we must approach it with caution and never use it in vain. Marzano and Pickering have a wonderful article that is full of useful information. Please click the link below to read the article in its entirety. You will be glad you did!

http://www.marzanoandassociates.com/pdf/homework.pdf