Blog #3: What Purpose Does Homework Have in Education?

The Great Homework Debate…dating back as early as WWI the topic of homework has been debated. It has flipped back and forth from the idea that homework is good to the idea that homework is bad and has no effect or even has a negative effect on students. As one researches this topic both opinions are clearly stated and backed by factual data. This is an interesting article as it debates both sides of the argument — The Great Homework Debate — What’s Getting Lost in the Hype.
Our school has been debating this topic as well and we have spent some time discussing homework policies throughout each grade level K-12 at our district. Even though both buildings were discussing this topic we were only involved in the K-6 discussion. There were many different opinions shared and sound reasons as to why they believed what they did.
We have one principal who is very against homework — especially in the lower elementary. After visiting about the topic, I decided to look into it. I teach 2nd Grade, so I did some research on my own and decided to make a change this year and see if I noticed a difference. We use Saxon Math curriculum, which will be changing this year and next. As a grade level we have always assigned the homework side of the paper for home as well as the fact homework side. Other than that, we don’t typically assign any other homework.
I assigned the two sheets nightly for the first semester. I did not assign any homework for the second semester. My students and parents were super excited and eager for the change. After doing this I found that my students test scores didn’t have significant changes. Therefore, I don’t think they lost information from having no homework assigned. I was very careful to do in-class checks to make sure that I helped my struggling students and all daily work from class was checked immediately. If students had a 100% on their daily sheet they were able to go to “Enrichment” (daily learning centers set up in an area around topics of the day) and if they missed any they came to the back table to “fix” what they had wrong. This gave me time to work with them individually or in small groups to clarify any misunderstandings. I had done this in the past, even when I assigned nightly homework, but I found it even more important when I didn’t assign it. If a student was struggling with certain concepts I used manipulatives, white boards, or other aides to learn the information. I also used technology apps for extra skill based practice. I also started using the idea of exit tickets even more than before. They were quick and maybe only had one or two problems but it gave me feedback to check for understanding.
Although I decided to make a change and have no homework in my 2nd Grade classroom, I am not sold on the idea that “no homework” is best for all grade levels. A lot of research refers to the 10-minute multiplied by grade level formula. Also a lot of research states that homework should be meaningful and not busy work at any grade level. Teachers must carefully plan and assign homework in a way that maximizes the potential for student success (see Research-Based Homework Guidelines).
The Great Debate will probably continue throughout the years but I hope we choose what is best for our students and their education…and if we choose to assign homework at any level it should be purposeful!
