The concept of homework should be evaluated in the wake of the plethora of problems facing our schools. Along with increased graduation requirements and WASL testing, more homework is now assigned. The pressure to succeed has left students feeling alienated, disillusioned and angry. Many turn to alcohol and drugs, juvenile delinquency and most tragically suicide. Around one in four teens drops out of school here in Seattle while many graduate lacking basic skills for college or employment. Homework is a contributor, but it can be modified to abate the plight of our schools.
Homework without vision is an exercise in futility. How it is applied determines its effectiveness. Reinforcing concepts taught can aid in a student's understanding, retention and ultimately application of knowledge learned.
Growing up, my "homework" of choice was analyzing the sports page. This enticed me to read,honed my math facts,and introduced me to geography,statistics and critical thinking. I was disciplined and motivated because I had an interest in sports. This passion was the cornerstone for my subsequent academic and employment accomplishments. When done well, work at home can complement and enhance the knowledge taught in school.
It's a fact that homework is often "busy work" which cheapens its value and undermines the education process. Instead of engaging students, homework often exacerbates the tenuous relationship between students and schools. This is a situation prominent among "at risk" students whom often perceive school as catering to the college bound.
Many times, for those who drop out, homework is cited as a contributing factor. Closely related are the "drop ins" who attend school but go through the motions and"dis" homework as an obligatory irritant. Unfortunately, many household conflicts revolve around compulsory homework, which reduces harmonious family time.
Unfortunately, homework often has an insidious aspect to it. The poor who have the most to gain from education are disadvantaged because they have less resources and parental oversight. There are the zealous parents who pressure schools for more homework in hopes this will increase their child's chance to go to college. The actions of these vocal and persuasive parents are insensitive to those with different aspirations, and the steps taken widen the schism amongst the student body.
The business community claims increased scholastic standards are necessary so they can employ trained workers to compete internationally, but it's incongruous with their drive to "Walmartize" our work force and relocate domestic jobs to low wage countries.
Others assert U.S. schools are internationally inferior. Japan is cited as an example, but yet they have economic problems, rampant work-holism, and high rates of youth suicide.
Many adults regard homework as a right of passage. If this badge of honor is self-evident why do so few adults do homework now? Homework as a kid's sole responsibility in school is self centered. Unlike household tasks or volunteer service, homework does not help the family or community at large.
School is not the exclusive source of knowledge, and homework does not have a monopoly on fostering academic performance. Schoolwork should be done in class with time allotted for practicing concepts while simultaneously emphasizing self-exploration and reading at home. We need to encourage and promote the natural inventors, scientists and spiritual beings that children are. By exposing students to an array of extracurricular activities and emphasizing participation they will gravitate to their chosen area of interest. In the process kids will learn and master an assortment of meaningful skills, especially self-discipline which is essential for success later in life.[[In-content Ad]]
