Hurdles to Homework
Homework problems often reflect our changing American society. "Most
children don't come home to a plate of cookies and Mom saying, `Please do
your homework,' '' explains a teacher in Residence at the U.S. Department
of Education and a veteran Minnesota high school history, humanities,
and writing teacher. Many parents report returning home around dinnertime
after a hectic day at work, too tired to monitor assignments. Students'
personal difficulties and competing priorities can also create obstacles
to completing homework successfully.
Ms. Jones calls home if students regularly fail to complete assignments
successfully. She often learns that parents and caregivers are not
aware that a problem exists. "Parents often want their children
to do homework shortly after arriving home," she explains. "This
is especially true if the parent is still at work because it's a productive
way for the children to spend time before mom or dad gets home."
But Ms. Jones knows from experience that children with homework problems
usually need to be supervised and held accountable for their work
in order to complete it successfully. "I've heard the story many
times," she laments. " `When I get home from work, my child
tells me that the homework is finished.' Some parents are tired and
too busy with their homemaking responsibilities. They find it hard
to take the time needed to check their child's assignments carefully."
Students have more activities and options that compete for their
time: jobs, sports activities, church choir, television, and family
chores. Some teachers express concerns about students who perceive
homework to be useless drudgery, as well as the lack of a stigma for
those who fail to complete assignments.
More children today also have personal difficulties that are associated
with a host of problems in school, including the ability to complete
homework successfully. These include:
Fortunately, a number of strategies are known to help overcome the
obstacles. Used together, these strategies can make homework less
stressful, more enjoyable, and more meaningful. The tips can also
help students master the ability to learn independently.
The information in this booklet is based on sound educational research
and the experiences of award-winning teachers who have shared their
favorite assignments and best strategies for getting students to complete
homework successfully. These teachers come from all around the country
and put their talents to work in many kinds of schools and communities--urban,
inner-city, suburban, small town, and rural. They teach a broad range
of subjects and at a variety of grade levels.
Echoing the sentiments of many of her colleagues, an Illinois high
school art teacher, explains:
"When students think of homework, usually it's a negative thought.
But it shouldn't be, because learning should be fun. I don't think
anybody today can become truly educated if they don't learn to work
on their own." Kids can also enjoy working on the internet and
visiting kid-friendly sites such as
Net Smart Kids web site.
