Why we have homework
-
Homework is designed to consolidate and reinforce the learning, practice and application of skills and ideas taught in the classroom.
-
Homework provides experiences for students to learn attitudes and motivational skills essential for school success (eg independence, commitment, perseverance, goal setting, time management & study skills).
-
The way homework is assigned can do as much good in the area of motivation and achievement as good classroom teaching methods.
How parents can support their child with homework
Parents are encouraged to:
- Show interest, enthusiasm and support for their child's work.
- Communicate a realistic expectation of the standard of work.
- Communicate the importance of effort, and praise their child for their effort.
- Provide a suitable study area for their child.
- Negotiate a suitable homework time with their child.
- Encourage their child to work independently.
- See that homework is monitored by someone.
- Notify teachers of achievements and communicate with teachers when significant problems occur.
Homework responsibilities
Students are responsible for ensuring that:
- Homework is completed to an acceptable standard.
- Homework is submitted on time.
- They communicate with their teacher and parents when help is needed.
Teachers should ensure that:
- Assigned homework reflects and is related to current classroom instruction.
- The amount of homework assigned for all curriculum areas is realistic. As a guide, homework should not exceed 20 minutes in total per night for Year 1-3 and 30 minutes in total per night for Year 4-6.
- Students know how much time they should spend on homework.
- Homework includes a complete introductory explanation.
- Homework material given to students is legible.
- Homework involves a variety of curriculum areas.
- Specialist teachers negotiate homework in their subject with classroom teachers.
- Students are provided with a variety of approaches to doing assigned homework.
- Homework maximizes success.
- They make homework enjoyable and relevant.
- Homework is returned immediately (graded with relevant feedback).
- They communicate with parents when problems arise.
- Homework is open to negotiation between teachers and parents.
- They allow opportunities for individual students to negotiate homework with them when personal circumstances restrict opportunities for homework to be completed at home.