For several months, I passed a sign in our local community that read along the lines of: ‘Is homework a battle? We can help.’ And every time I cringed at the idea of an opportunity lost.
Homework, done well, is an opportunity for students to practice the application of new ideas and to solidify concepts learned that day. Students can complete longer term projects in a quiet environment that allows for sustained thought and the development of a deeper understanding of material. Homework routines also contribute to the development of learning skills and work habits that promote the self-discipline needed to manage post-secondary study and career applications. At institutions with vigorous academic programs, such as at Sacred Heart, homework is viewed as an integral extension of learning.
Homework, done poorly, can reinforce mistakes. Tasks can seem insurmountable if a student does not have a grasp of the background knowledge necessary to complete a given application or the learning skills required to work independently. At times homework can accumulate, leaving a student with more work than is feasible in a reasonable evening of work. And at home, the completion of homework can devolve into a struggle between a youth and her parent. It is in these situations that we ask for your partnership.
It is always our intention to provide homework that is achievable for our students. Teachers plan timelines very carefully and make an effort to differentiate homework where appropriate so that each student gets the practice necessary for their growth. If your daughter is having difficulty with her work please connect with her teachers so that all involved have an idea of how to best support the learning process at home. Teachers are often surprised to hear of challenges with homework and are able to provide insight and strategies to ease the completion of tasks at home.
You may be interested in this article, titled ‘The Benefits and Drawbacks of Homework’, published in the Globe and Mail last week.
