Written by: K Sasirekha, Helikx Remedial Teacher
Researchers say that the results of their research offer empirical evidence that many students struggle to find balance between homework, extracurricular activities and social time. Many students felt forced or obligated to choose homework over developing other talents or skills. Also there was no relationship between the time spent on homework and how much the student enjoyed it. The research quoted the students as saying
they often do homework they see as “pointless or mindless” in order to keep their grades up.
This kind of busy work by its very nature, discourages learning and instead promotes doing homework simply to get points. Rather, any homework assigned should have a purpose and benefit and it should be designed to cultivate learning and development. The key to homework success is to eliminate all the obstacles and excuses that get in the way of students getting it done. Dealing with homework can be the source of great stress for both teachers and students.
Here are few strategies that work well in making the homework stress free and getting it done successfully:
1. Assign what students already know:
A teacher should always assign home work to his/her students only at the maintenance stage of the student and not at the acquisition stage. Meaning, the teacher should assign homework only on what has already been understood well by the students and able to by themselves. Many teachers end up being unsuccessful in homework as the assign homework to the students at their acquisition stage. Home work is to be meant for practicing what they already know to take it up to their long term memory.
2. Level is vital:
Before assigning home work every teacher must know the level at which every individual student of their class fall and provide the homework flexible enough for them to do without stress. In a class few students might learn many things quicker than other possess through understanding on things thought were as some might fall on the average scale and some below than that. Some might find writing as a tedious task and opt any other alternative for the same homework like drawing or typing it, etc.
So, a teacher should always beware of the level at which a student is and make the homework flexible with certain options.
3. Let the Parents inspect not involve:
Home work is between the teacher and the students. If parents would sit by their side and watch, it’s appreciable but make sure they don’t get involved. Parents can clarify the kid’s doubts and provide some clues but shall never get involved and do their homework for them nor teach the whole thing to them. If the parents get involved in it then the purpose will not be fulfilled.
4. Confront students on the spot:
One of the teacher’s routine soon after entering the classroom must be asking their students to place their homework and their diaries on the top side of their desk. Check for their parent’s/ guardian’s signature in their diaries and their home works. If they have not completed their home work for any reason, ask them weather they understood it. If not instruct and teach them how to do it and make them to complete it at the same period.
Appreciate for the effort every child has put to do their piece of homework.
Never be harsh towards the kids if the homework is not done. This will add more stress to them.
5. Review and ask one question from it:
Sit aside with the students five minutes before the end of the class and review the previous day homework. Ask any random question from it and if they struggle to answer help them with it. Allow them to ask final clarifying questions regarding the home work which you have provided that day. This will make the kids more independent while doing their home works.
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