Homework is a sort of learning activity out of class while
extending classroom work towards home assigned individually or in groups that
the students take to their homes. There are three major types of homework such
as practice assignments which reinforce newly acquired knowledge, skills, and
attitudes. Preparation assignments are assigned to provide opportunities for
prior learning about a particular topic or concept. Extension assignments are
designed to extend academic tasks to develop students’ conceptual understanding
of learning material through research-based activities.
Purposes of homework
1.
Homework is assigned to
increase pupils’ academic achievements by providing them with
opportunities to review and practice academic tasks.
2.
For the purpose of
reinforcing students’ new learning during academic tasks, homework is assigned.
3.
Homework is also assigned
to develop independent study skills among the students.
4.
Parents’ involvement in the academic activities of their children is imperative. By assigning
homework, parents are expected to be involved in their children’s academic
processes.
5.
One of the purposes of
assigning homework is to complete unfinished classwork by the students at
their homes.
There are short-term and long-term positive effects of homework
on students’ academic areas. Short terms effects include; retention of facts
and knowledge, enhanced understanding, improving thinking skills, and extended
curricular areas. In a long term, students’ study habits and positive attitudes
are developed, learning takes palace outs of the school, and students get self-disciplined.
However, there are some negative effects of homework such as
satiation leading to loss of motivation in carrying on academic work. Cheating or
copying from fellow students can be practiced by students in seeking shortcuts.
Being busy all the time, students may get a shortage of time for leisure
activities.
There are some principles for making homework effective to
benefit the students. First, homework should not be used as punishment. Second,
checking homework needs not to be delayed. Third, Corrective feedback must be
given on need improvement areas. Forth, Homework should be relevant and
interesting as well as challenging. Lastly, homework needs to be assigned
linking students’ daily life activities.
Parental involvement plays a vital role in working on
homework. Parents need to be informed about providing study corners at home,
support and encourage them, establish timetables and follow up, and treat
students according to their styles and interests.
Reference
Mujis, D. & Reynolds, D. (2005). Effective Teaching:
Evidence and practice (2nd ed.). London: Sage
Publications.
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