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Purposes
of Homework
Homework:
- is a valuable part
of schooling
- allows for
practicing, extending and consolidating
work done in class
- provides training
for students in planning and organizing
time
- develops a range of
skills in identifying and using
information resources
- establishes habits
of study, concentration and
self-discipline which will serve students
for the rest of their lives
- strengthens
home-school links
- reaffirms the role
of parents and caregivers as partners in
education
- provides parents
and caregivers with insights into what is
being taught in the classroom and the
progress of their children
- challenges and
extends
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General
Principles
Homework is most beneficial
when:
- it reinforces and
extends classwork and consolidates basic
skills and knowledge
- it is challenging
and purposeful, but not so demanding that
it has adverse effects on the
student’s motivation
- students take
responsibility for their homework,
supported by their parents or
caregivers
- it is well
coordinated and teacher expectations are
well communicated
- it is set on a
regular basis and establishes a routine of
home study
- teachers set
suitable amounts of homework which are
varied and at an appropriate level
considering the age, stage of schooling
and capabilities of students
- it takes into
account students’ home
responsibilities and extracurricular
activities such as clubs, sport and
part-time employment
- it is marked
promptly and accurately
- feedback and
follow-up are provided regularly to
students
- it develops and
extends the core learning skills of
inquiry and independent study.
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Types
of Homework
The amount of time that students are expected to spend
on homework will depend upon the age, ability, home
environment and extracurricular activities of
students, including family and cultural obligations.
It is important that students of all ages have
opportunities for free time, leisure and physical
activities outside of school. Homework is
usually assigned on Monday-Thursday for approximately
30 minutes. This is appropriate for 3rd grade. It is
assumed that students will study math facts and
read at home in addition to the 30
minutes.
- The three main
types of homework are:
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- Practice
exercises - providing students with
the opportunities to apply new knowledge,
or review, revise and reinforce newly
acquired skills, including:
- consolidation
exercise e.g. math, including memorization
of tables
- practicing for
mastery e.g. spelling words
- revising
information about a current
topic
- practicing words or
phrases learned in a language other than
English
- reading for
pleasure
- essay
writing.
- Preparatory
homework - providing opportunities for
students to gain background information on
a unit of study so that they are better
prepared for future lessons,
including:
- background
reading
- reading e.g.
English text for class
discussion
- researching topics
for a class unit of work
- collecting items
e.g. geometric shapes.
- Extension
assignments - encouraging students to
pursue knowledge individually and
imaginatively, including:
- writing e.g. a book
review
- making or designing
something e.g. an art work
- investigations e.g.
science, social science
- researching e.g.
history, local news
- information and
retrieval skills eg. using a home computer
to find material on the
Internet
- monitoring e.g.
advertising in particular
newspapers.
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Expectations
- Parents and
caregivers can help by:
- taking an active
interest in homework
- ensuring that there
is time set aside for homework
- encouraging and
supporting students to complete
homework
- providing, where
possible, a dedicated place and desk for
homework and study
- encouraging their
children to read and take an interest in
current events
- assisting teachers
to monitor homework by signing completed
work if requested
- communicating with
teachers any concerns about the nature of
homework and their children’s
approach to the homework
- Teachers can
help by:
- explaining to
students and their parents or caregivers
the purpose and benefits of
homework
- ensuring students
and parents or caregivers are aware of the
school’s homework policy
- providing quality
homework activities related to
classwork
- setting a suitable
amount of relevant homework which is
appropriate to the ability of each
student
- ensuring that
students are aware of what is expected of
them, and how their work will be
assessed
- giving students
sufficient time to complete their
homework, taking into account, as far as
possible, competing home obligations and
extracurricular activities and homework
set by other teachers
- marking homework
promptly and appropriately, maintaining
homework records and providing feedback to
students and parents or
caregivers
- alerting parents or
caregivers of any developing problems
concerning their children’s homework
and suggesting strategies that they can
use to assist their children with their
homework.
- Students can
help by:
- being aware of the
importance of homework
- being aware of
their school’s homework
policy
- completing homework
within the given time frame
- alerting parents or
caregivers to homework
expectations
- seeking assistance
from teachers and parents or caregivers
when difficulties arise
- showing their
homework to their parents or
caregivers
- ensuring homework
is of a high standard (Neatness is
important!)
- organizing their
time to ensure that sufficient time is
given to quality homework within set
deadlines.
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