Homework vs No Homework

 

NCSA has adopted a No Homework – Just Read! policy for our Kindergarten through 5th grade classes. The NCSA administration, with the help of capable volunteer parents, has done a great deal of research into the benefits of homework for K through 8th grade students. What we have found is a majority of researchers agree that homework in K-5 is not linked to academic gains and beyond the 5th grade the advantages of homework increase minimally. To be clear, not all researchers are in agreement, and there is evidence to support or rebuff every claim made on both sides, however, based upon our own analysis of the research, our own anecdotal evidence, and our commitment to teaching with a developmental approach, we have made this policy decision with confidence.

In tandem with the evidence against homework, there is equally ample evidence that reading every day does indeed have benefits to a child’s academic success and sense of self-esteem. In one researcher’s estimation, reading is the single most valuable activity for students. Combining these two philosophies together, we have created the No Homework – Just Read! policy.

Rather than impose homework on a child and his or her family, we request that the focus be on READING. Read with your child, and/or, have your child read to you. Provide a time and a place every night for at least 20 minutes. We will not monitor this with journals or timesheets, we trust that you want your child to be well-educated, and that you understand that parents have a role to play in that education.

READ EVERY NIGHT!

 

 

Below is an article appearing in Salon, March 2016, and written by Heather Shumaker, author of It’s OK to Go Up the Slide (Tarcher/Penguin Random House)

 

This article is not a research paper, but it sums up our view of homework based upon our own inquiries. Links to research are provided below that.

  • Homework is wrecking our kids: The research is clear, let’s ban elementary homework.
  • Homework does have an impact on young students — but it’s not a good one.

 

HEATHER SHUMAKER

“There is no evidence that any amount of homework improves the academic performance of elementary students.”

This statement, by homework research guru Harris Cooper, of Duke University, is startling to hear, no matter which side of the homework debate you’re on. Can it be true that the hours of lost playtime, power struggles and tears are all for naught? That millions of families go through a nightly ritual that doesn’t help? Homework is such an accepted practice, it’s hard for most adults to even question its value. When you look at the facts, however, here’s what you find: Homework has benefits, but its benefits are age dependent.

 

For elementary-aged children, research suggests that studying in class gets superior learning results, while extra schoolwork at home is just . . . extra work. Even in middle school, the relationship between homework and academic success is minimal at best. By the time kids reach high school, homework provides academic benefit, but only in moderation. More than two hours per night is the limit. After that amount, the benefits taper off.

 

“The research is very clear,” agrees Etta Kralovec, education professor at the University of Arizona. “There’s no benefit at the elementary school level.”

 

Before going further, let’s dispel the myth that these research results are due to a handful of poorly constructed studies. In fact, it’s the opposite. Cooper compiled 120 studies in 1989 and another 60 studies in 2006. This comprehensive analysis of multiple research studies found no evidence of academic benefit at the elementary level. It did, however, find a negative impact on children’s attitudes toward school.

 

This is what’s worrying. Homework does have an impact on young students, but it’s not a good one. A child just beginning school deserves the chance to develop a love of learning. Instead, homework at a young age causes many kids to turn against school, future homework and academic learning. And it’s a long road. A child in kindergarten is facing 13 years of homework ahead of her.

 

Then there’s the damage to personal relationships. In thousands of homes across the country, families battle over homework nightly. Parents nag and cajole. Overtired children protest and cry. Instead of connecting and supporting each other at the end of the day, too many families find themselves locked in the “did you do your homework?” cycle.

 

When homework comes prematurely, it’s hard for children to cope with assignments independently—they need adult help to remember assignments and figure out how to do the work. Kids slide into the habit of relying on adults to help with homework or, in many cases, do their homework. Parents often assume the role of Homework Patrol Cop. Being chief nag is a nasty, unwanted job, but this role frequently lingers through the high school years. Besides the constant conflict, having a Homework Patrol Cop in the house undermines one of the purported purposes of homework: responsibility.

 

Homework supporters say homework teaches responsibility, reinforces lessons taught in school, and creates a home-school link with parents. However, involved parents can see what’s coming home in a child’s backpack and initiate sharing about school work–they don’t need to monitor their child’s progress with assigned homework. Responsibility is taught daily in multiple ways; that’s what pets and chores are for. It takes responsibility for a 6-year- old to remember to bring her hat and lunchbox home. It takes responsibility for an 8-year- old to get dressed, make his bed and get out the door every morning. As for reinforcement, that’s an important factor, but it’s only one factor in learning. Non-academic priorities (good sleep, family relationships and active playtime) are vital for balance and well-being. They also directly impact a child’s memory, focus, behavior and learning potential.

 

Elementary lessons are reinforced every day in school. After-school time is precious for the rest of the child.What works better than traditional homework at the elementary level is simply reading at home. This can mean parents reading aloud to children as well as children reading. The key is to make sure it’s joyous. If a child doesn’t want to practice her reading skills after a long school day, let her listen instead. Any other projects that come home should be optional and occasional. If the assignment does not promote greater love of school and interest in learning, then it has no place in an elementary school-aged child’s day.

 

Elementary school kids deserve a ban on homework. This can be achieved at the family, classroom or school level. Families can opt out, teachers can set a culture of no homework (or rare, optional homework), and schools can take time to read the research and rekindle joy in learning.

 

Homework has no place in a young child’s life. With no academic benefit, there are simply better uses for after-school hours.

 

 

Links to research:

 

Survey studies by Cooper

http://emilkirkegaard.dk/en/wp-content/uploads/Does- Homework-Improve- Academic-

Achieve%C2%ADment-A- Synthesis-of- Research-FIXED.pdf

 

Brief summary and analysis of Cooper’s studies

http://www.benschersten.com/blog/2014/10/elementary-homework- is-it- worth-it/

 

Homework and Family Stress: With Consideration of Parents’ Self Confidence, Educational

Level, and Cultural Background (discusses family stress/family situation impacts on homework, etc.)

http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01926187.2015.1061407

 

Study: Homework Doesn’t Mean Better Grades, But Maybe Better Standardized Test Scores

(10 th graders only, interesting point that it may not mean more learning, but better test-takers)

https://news.virginia.edu/content/study-homework- doesn-t- mean-better- grades-maybe- better-standardized-test- scores

 

 

Abusing Research: The Study of Homework and Other Examples

Critical of Cooper’s research and findings.

http://www.alfiekohn.org/article/abusing-research/