The Washington Post uploaded an article
yesterday entitled “What happened when one school banned homework – and asked
students to read and play instead.” This article caught my attention right away
since homework has been a highly debated topic, at least in my own life. I was
intrigued to find out the results from this homework ban and investigate the
details of it.
First, it is important to note that the
homework ban did mean that students were exempt from any responsibilities while
at home, but instead a new policy was put in place. The daily home assignment
was now to read (and/or be read to), to play outside, to eat dinner with
family, and to get a good night’s sleep. At first glance this daily assignment
may not seem to be very academic and support school success. However, looking
deeper into each of these stipulations, they are much more beneficial to
students than homework, teaching them skills that they cannot learn in a
classroom and preparing them for the learning that occurs at school. This
policy was put in place to make sure that although students were not being
given homework that did not mean more screen time at home. The goal is still
for student to learn important skills and take on responsibilities within the
home.
Six months into this experiment and the
results show that students have not fallen back academically and some are
actually doing better. This could be for many possible reasons however the
article suggests that students now have time to “be creative thinkers at home
and follow their passions.” In addition, students are learning to read on their
own through this process because they are encouraged to read everyday. Students
are spending more time doing things that matter beyond math homework sheets.
There were concerns that students are
missing out on opportunities to learn and practice doing homework to prepare for
high school. While this is a very valid concern people must ask themselves what
is more important for students to learn at this age, to do homework or to learn
to read and be a child? There are many other ways students can learn
self-regulation skills that will help them to manage homework in the future.
For example, with each of the aspects of this policy students must learn to
manage their time outside, reading, free screen time, and time with family.
That can already be a lot to balance without incorporating completing
worksheets.
I agree that teachers really need to
rethink what they are sending home as homework to be completed. Teachers could
consider coming up with a classroom contract that students and their parents
sign, similar to this no homework policy. The purpose of this homework ban is
not for students to have nothing to do but to learn important daily life skills
from their parents and make time to enjoy being a child. So I ask you now, what
do you think? Should more schools consider this homework ban?
Hey Jackie,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post! I think you're right. Students need the opportunity to build on their life and social skills outside of school. It's important to remember that our students are kids too, and you're only a kid once. When we don't make homework mandatory, it becomes our responsibility as educators to inspire our students to pursue their own learning outside of class. Extending learning outside of the class doesn't have to be just textbook questions.
-Rebecca