Why Teachers Give Homework

Homework is defined on the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary web site as "an assignment given to a student to be completed outside the regular class period." Taken literally, homework does not need to be done at home nor does it warrant a caretaker's interference. An assignment may be worked on at the end of the school day, in an after-school program or at home. Students should be able to complete the work alone.

Beginning an assignment in school is beneficial for the students and the teacher. If the students have any questions, they can go directly to the source for clarification. The teacher gets to provide individual attention and quickly assesses which students may need additional reinforcement.

Working on homework at an after-school program gives students an opportunity to interact with their peers. Children learn by doing and can practice this skill by explaining concepts to each other. This should be done under adult supervision to ensure students complete their own work and do not explain something incorrectly.

Before students are ready to work independently at home, the teacher should explain that homework is practice. It must be completed so the teacher can assess if further lessons would be helpful.

Teachers develop homework assignments that reinforce concepts introduced in the classroom. The students' work gives the teacher insight as to whether or not further instruction is necessary. An assignment can be either informal or formal.

When creating an assignment, teachers think to themselves...
What is the objective?
What do I want students to learn and practice?
How much time is needed to complete the work?
Are there any developmental readiness issues to address?

Am I covering the different learning styles?
Do I need to make modifications for any students?

Does the work appeal to students' interests?

Am I providing enough choices?

What resources are required?

Will I plan follow-up activities?

How and when will the assignment be reviewed?

Reviewing the homework is essential. Students think homework is a waste of time when it receives no attention from the teacher. An assignment's deadline should coincide with classroom lesson plans. If there is no time to review, do not assign. Depending on the type of homework assigned, review may occur in various ways.

Written assignments can be shared in groups while the teacher walks around and listens. Children practice how to listen, provide constructive feedback and self-correct.

Worksheet assignments containing mathematic problems can be reviewed as a class. Students take turns sharing their answers and explaining in words how they decided to solve the problem.

Project assignments may be submitted in stages to monitor progress, but the final presentation is done as a whole class. Children are proud of their accomplishments and eager to share and discuss ideas with fellow classmates.

Oral assignments can be done as a class, in groups or individually with the teacher. If done as a class, students practice listening, sharing and brainstorming skills. All the ideas can then be organized into an outline and finally a paper. When done in groups, students can practice summarizing the group's ideas. Working individually with the teacher fosters a supportive and trusting relationship.

Homework is crucial to promoting independence and life-long learning. It should be pertinent for the teacher and the students. Teachers want children to succeed and do so by continually assessing their abilities. Homework is just one way to accomplish this goal.