Are School Homework Assignments Necessary, Should Homework Be Banned

Parental support for teachers and children regarding homework assignments

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    What are Homework assignments ?

    Homework assignments are the out of school work given by teachers to students to compliment work done in the school classroom and assess how each individual student understood the subject. This out of school work gives the teacher an insight into the individual students progress and the chance to make comments to the student concerned, about their work done at home and make any corrections that are necessary.Sometimes it might feel as if it is the Parent, who needs  help in helping their child/children  to get the most out of their home assignments.

     The benefits of homework assignments to the students are not always appreciated by them, but they help to develop such skills as time management, self discipline, learn how to follow simple instructions, and to do the research needed to complete their assignments with confidence.

    Homework assignments gives the student the chance to show that they have learnt and understood the particular subject that has been taught in the classroom, and can put it into practice in an unsupervised environment i.e. at home.

    The amount of homework given should be governed by the age of the students and their ability, it is more about how much they learn from it rather than how much time it takes to complete the assignment, some students will work quicker and get more done in a shorter time. Homework assignments should never become a punishment and will only be of benefit to the students if given in the right amounts.

     

    Parental interest and help with their children’s home assignments is essential, it shows support for the child and for the school.

     Online help  for completing homework assignments can easily be found on the internet and can be a great help in finding out facts and figures about numerous subjects, it is a great research tool and should be taken advantage of whenever possible, it should not be used as a copy and paste exercise to get over the assignment as quickly as possible because nothing will be learnt by doing that and it is probably illegal. This is one aspect where parental involvement and guidance on the use of internet resources is given, to make certain assignments are of original content and not simply copied.

    There have been many studies conducted to demonstrate the benefits of children having to do work at home, both to compliment the lessons learned in the classroom at school and to develop an interest in learning on their own. These studies show, children who spend more time on doing regular assignments at home do much better in school than those who do not. Because of the lifestyles of parents and children, it sometimes seems as though children are being given too much home work. But because learning is more important than playing when it comes to future career choice it is well worth it to help your child gain as much as possible out of their school work and out of completing home assignments regularly.

    If your child/children is having trouble completing assignments, you could sit with them and work through it together, to help them understand how it is done. Whatever you do,  DON’T do your children’s assignments for them, help them learn how to do it themselves. Help them learn how to be able to do the research necessary and to ask questions to help get to the answers required. Get them to show you any teachers comments, so you can see what areas they are having a problem with.

     Always remember, you and your child’s teachers both have the same aims when setting homework assignments—to help your child learn. If your child is having trouble completing the work set by the teacher to be done at home, ask for support  both for yourself and your child thus making sure that your child gets as much as possible out of doing the work set by their teachers.

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    It isn’t a homework assignment until someone cries… 

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  • Are Tuitions Really Needed?

    The tuition system has become so well entrenched that most parents presume that tuitions are a must for their children. But are tuitions really needed by all students?

    Gone are the days when dedicated teachers taught in the classroom and that was sufficient for the students to prepare for their exams. If a child had doubts, the teacher would spend extra time clearing up those doubts at school or at home.

    My husband often talks about his teacher. The teacher recognised my husband as an extra intelligent boy when he was just in primary school. He started giving him extra coaching and provided him, with good books to read. Afterwards the teacher saw to it that he got a scholarship for further studies from the Government. Such was the dedication of the teachers of those days.

    As a child gets admitted into a school these days, parents start debating on whether to send the child for tuition or not. After every test result, this issue raises its head. With promises of more effort from the child and the parents resolving to spend at least two hours every day with the child reviewing his or her class work and homework, the issue of tuition is shelved.

    When both the parents are employed, a good chunk of money goes to the tuition teacher of their child. Parents feel that they can’t concentrate on their children’s education after a tiring day at the office.

    An educated mother who opts to stay at home for the sake of the children tries to take on the role of the tuition teacher. But her classes end in arguments and tears and "You know nothing!" comments from the child and finally the mother gives up.

    Even a teacher who can handle a class of 50 today is prone to emotional blackmail by their smart kids when it comes to studies. They extract promises from their parents of costly gifts and get them without themselves keeping the promise of scoring good marks. And they are having the cake and eating it too!

    When the parents finally realise that their own kids are taking them for a ride, the search for a tutor starts. Sometimes, it’s the other way round. At the parent-teacher meeting the teacher’s suggestion that the child needs help lands the parents at the door of tuition classes. The importance of ranks and the embarrassment of the parents flaunting the ranks of their children at social gatherings push the parents of average children into the rank race. And to achieve ranks tutors are sought out.

    Parents feel that the tutors can perform miracles so that their child can score the highest marks. They feel that academic intelligence can be bought. Even when the child scores very well and doesn’t need any extra coaching, he or she is pushed into tuitions just to go up by a few ranks.

    NEED OF TUITIONS – WHEN?

    Due to over-ambitious parents and sometimes genuine need for extra coaching in subjects in which students are weak, tuition centres are mushrooming in every neighbourhood.

    Tuition centres have become like alternative schools. There are teachers who work in schools just to get students for tuition. Their income from tuitions is much more than what they earn at school. Many schools discourage their teachers from taking tuitions but then they should pay better salaries so that teachers work with dedication. Tutorials are again like schools and different teachers handle different subjects. Only, it’s after school hours or before. And then there are the home tutors who charge for extra teaching.

    It’s very sad to see tired children returning home from tuition with bags on their shoulders late in the evenings, when they ought to be playing happily. Some schools hold back the students after school hours and force them to take tuitions. The need to score good marks, get admission into good colleges and finally to land in a highly paying job is pushing children into the loop of tuitions and they are losing on their precious childhood. The tuition business is becoming an unofficial industry. How it affects the credibility of schools and qualified teachers has to be evaluated.

    Whether there is a genuine need for a child to have tuition is to be judged by the parents with the co-operation of the subject teacher. There are many learning difficulties and disabilities which the child may have and which the parents or teachers may not be aware of. It can be problems with sight, hearing or understanding. One example of a learning disability is dyslexia where the child could write the mirror image of letters. Sometimes, it can be emotional problems that block the learning process. Consultation and assessment by a child psychiatrist can pinpoint the problem. Remedial sessions will then ensure that the child is on a par with the average student.

    NEED OF AN EFFICIENT TEACHER

    Sending the child to tuition classes cannot solve these problems. Sometimes, the problem may lie with a particular teacher who is not well qualified or whose teaching style is unsuitable for his or her students. In such a case the parents should compare notes with others and then approach the school authorities.

    When the parents realise that the child really needs tuition, they should investigate the credentials of the teacher thoroughly. The teacher should be qualified, experienced, genuinely interested in teaching and patient. He or she should have a thorough knowledge of the subject. The tutor should also be able to pinpoint the difficulties of the child and solve them. Parents should keep a tab on what is going on in the tuition. Question your child every day as to what he or she has studied in the tuition class. The child should study and revise even with tuitions.

    Do not run after school teachers for tuitions, thinking that they will assist the child at school or that they know the syllabus better. Some money-minded teachers may manipulate the results of their tuition students so that the parents do not question them over poor results.

    There are well-qualified housewives who do not take up jobs for family reasons. Such ladies can be approached for tutoring kids. Also, there may be very intelligent but poor older students who need money for their college studies. Such students can take up tutoring if they have an aptitude for teaching.

    Parents should not have unrealistic expectations from tutors. They should have the patience to wait for results. They can’t demand good results just because they are shelling out money for tuitions. Only with moral support from the parents and effort on the part of the student will tuitions yield good results.

    Carolyn Joana is a parenting expert who offers great, tested, down to earth and reassuring tips on home-made baby food, baby health, home-remedies for babies, baby massage, baby care, breastfeeding and much more at her website http://www.guide-to-baby-needs.com

    By carolyn joana
    Published: 4/10/2007
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  • As the kids grow up and enter the middle schools the studies become tougher. The syllabus becomes more complicated and the students face a lot of problem with their homework.

    This is not possible for some of them to go for private tuition. Most of them are involved in various extra curriculum activities liking sports, Dance etc. The schedule is so packed that it is very tough to take out time for private tuition.

    Now if someone misses few classes at school this becomes really tough for them to complete the homework on the chapters they have not been taught. Most of the times the text books are not enough to answer all the questions and they badly need some one to help them out.

    Otherwise these deficiencies will lead to complications and they might score badly in term end examinations.

    The websites that offer homework help to the middle school students are gradually gaining huge popularity among the students and the parents. This is extremely helpful when you have someone to assist you with all your problems at the odd hours as well.

    Any query on any subject can be resolved within few seconds. In case you have a doubt or cannot understand properly you are free to ask the online tutors about it. There are made easy solutions available on this websites from which you can get the answers of few questions.

    Hence middle school homework help is becoming extremely popular as many good organizations are endorsing it.

    Author: Nick Schofield

    Free Homework Packs

    Website Promotion

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Schofield

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  • Free Classified Ads

    Times, they are a-changing. The era of running downstairs and asking Mom or Dad to help with homework may be coming to an end. These days, students can just as easily use a computer or cell phone to receive homework help.

    Welcome to the New World of Homework Hotlines!

    And, what a crowded world it is fast becoming! Over the last year or so, there has been a virtual explosion of new homework hotlines, with a new one seeming to pop up every day. (Some businesses use the word "hotline" but are actually homework information sites with articles and links or paid tutoring services.)

    There is a homework hotline to suit every family, student and budget: free and paid; local, national and international; immediate help and those where someone will get back to you later. A student might call down the street and talk to the friendly librarian, or send an email to a guy across the country, or even chat with a woman in an entirely different country. Some hotlines are only available for a few hours after school; others stay "open" 24/7.

    You know, just in case your first grader needs help with those sight words at 3 o’clock in the morning.

    So, are these homework hotlines a good thing or not? Once again, my answer is: it depends. If a student simply needs to be pointed in the right direction or has a relatively easy question- then, yes, homework hotlines can be helpful. However, if a student is using a homework hotline because of true lack of understanding and/or a huge deadline looming overhead…

    Better talk to a tutor or teacher.

    We are always looking for quick fixes, aren’t we?

    Be Prepared

    If you think your family might one day want to use a homework hotline, I recommend writing down the phone numbers and/or website addresses now, before you need them. Think ahead and at least try to keep the tears and desperation (you or your child’s) to a minimum.

    I prefer local or state hotlines over national and international ones because they are more likely to be familiar with your school’s expectations and assignments and state standards. Check with your school district, neighborhood library or state office of education to find the best local homework hotlines.

    You gotta love free, live homework help- especially if it’s local.

    A Word About Homework Hotlines and Safety

    Students should never, ever give out their personal information on the phone or online, and the same rule applies to homework hotlines. Teach your children to never give out their last name, home address, school name, home phone or credit card number. If anyone asks for this type of information, hang up and immediately tell your parents, teacher or another adult you trust.

    Author: Angela Norton Tyler

    Angela Norton Tyler is the author of the book Tutor Your Child to Reading Success. She is also an educator, business owner and speaker-trainer. This mother of two wears many hats, but the common thread running through them all: empowering parents. Please visit her website http://www.family-homework-answers.com/homework-philosophy.html today to find out how Angela can help empower you, your family, your school or your organization

    Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angela_Norton_Tyler

    Euclid’s website

    I’m pleased to point out that many (most) of the teachers have started using their own teacher page to communicatehomework, project due dates and share general information with their students and parent community. …    Read more…

    An Example of Teachers Page:-

    2B Homework Hotline: Monday, March 9th

    Welcome to our new "Homework Hotline" for 2B. Here you can find more details about daily assignments and also find out about special events in our classroom. Homework will be posted sometime after 3:30 everyday, in English and Spanish. …   Read more…

    Homework Hotlines

    Homework Hotlines provide students with instant homework help- and give parents a break. Or, do they?   Read more…

     Hotlines Help Students and Parents

    Over the last year or so, there has been a virtual explosion of new homework hotlines, with a new one seeming to pop up every day.  …   Read more…

    Homework Hotlines Help Students and Parents

    The era of running downstairs and asking Mom or Dad to help with homework may be coming to an end. These days, students can just as easily use a computer or cell phone to receive homework help. Welcome to the World of Homework Hotlines! …   Read more…

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  • How does homework benefit your child?  As a parent, what is your role in homework?  Read on to know the benefits of homework.

    Benefits of Homework

    By definition, homework constitutes the out-of-class activities that the teachers assign to students. These activities are an extension to schoolwork. Homework can include practice assignments that emphasize  newly acquired skills . It can be in the form of preparation assignments to make students ready for class activities. Projects that have to be worked on in parallel with schoolwork also form a part of homework. This project work may continue throughout the term or the entire academic year. In these activities students apply their academic skills to create a piece of work through research.

    Benefits of Homework
    Homework builds up an initiative in students. They initiate study. Teachers get the schoolwork done from students whereas students initiate doing homework. There is a sense of responsibility associated with completing their homework. Children feel responsible for finishing homework and accomplished when they do it.

    Another benefit of homework is that students develop time management. They start allotting their time to study and play thus learning to complete their scheduled tasks in the time they have. Moreover, they learn to do things on their own. They manage their time and complete their work independently. Homework encourages self-discipline in students.

    Homework helps the children learn with interest. It builds a confidence in their minds. Teachers give comments on the work they do. Teachers’ positive remarks boost the children to learn. Students learn to follow instructions and complete their assignments successfully. They have to explore on topics, refer research material, and read about related topics in order to do their home assignments.

    By doing the homework, children learn to cope up with their school activities. They get an opportunity to apply their skills and enhance them. Homework gives students a chance to amend their mistakes and improve on their weaknesses. Home assignments provide children with a platform to express and exhibit their skills.

    Homework that gradually increases every year enhances academic achievement. Students score better on class tests. Homework helps in the development of an attitude to explore and learn. It thus improves their academic results. Homework definitely gives students the practice of whatever they learn in school and practice makes them perfect!

    Obviously it is the amount of homework that governs its benefits. Homework should not become a punishment. Studies have brought out certain rules regarding the amount of homework to be given to students of particular ages. Homework manifests its benefits only if it is given in right amounts and taken in the right spirit. It is not good to burden children with home assignments and expect them to do well in studies. Homework should be proportionate to their age and mental ability.

    The motivation offered by homework should be accompanied by parent involvement. Some say that homework serves as a link between the school and home. Parents must strengthen this link by supporting their children in their home assignments. Parents must take interest in the homework given to their children. They must help their kids do their homework and be concerned about their kids’ school activities, thereby promoting education.

    I believe in the benefits of homework. But according to me, homework in the form of projects is more helpful than practice assignments. Students should be encouraged to act creatively. Project on a topic outside school curriculum leads students to investigate varied subjects. It encourages general reading. Studies do not remain monotonous. Children think, research and innovate. This results in an added advantage of homework that studies do not remain confined to textbooks. Children understand that education is much more than it seems to be. This realization convinces them of the benefits of homework as well!

     By Manali Oak
    Published: 6/6/2008

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    I Hate Homework but . . .

    I have found in my first year of teaching that giving homework every week is another load of work and time for me too, yet I have started to see benefits as a teacher.  …   Read more…

    How much homework is enough?

    Yes, there is more to life than homework. There’s more to life than any one thing for that matter. But, before we throw out the baby with the bath water, lets keep in mind that doing home work does have benefits …   Read more…

    What Is The Value Of Homework?

    Obviously, the first expectation behind homework is that it’s to be used to build on the lessons or ideas taught in class.  …   Read more…

     
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