Does Homework Improve Learning? - Alfie Kohn. Retrieved.
On the other hand, the more we learn about learning, the more willing we may be to challenge the idea that homework has to be part of schooling. Alfie Kohn writes and lectures widely on education.
Kohn’s incisive analysis reveals how a set of misconceptions about learning and a misguided focus on competitiveness has left our kids with less free time, and our families with more conflict. Pointing to stories of parents who have fought back-and schools that have proved educational excellence is possible without homework-Kohn demonstrates how we can rethink what happens during and after.
While reading Alfie Kohn's The Homework Myth book, I got into debates about its content many times. Here is a compilation of my discussions: Me: Why do we need homework? Them: Homework reviews important skills. Me: Why can't that be done at school? Wouldn't class time be better spent on that practice where the students could get help? Them: But there isn't enough time to do all that practice.
Alfie Kohn, who is largely against homework, still suggests “Students should be asked to do only what teachers are willing to create themselves, as opposed to prefabricated worksheets or generic exercises photocopied from textbooks.” Assignments must fit the intended learning. If we are going to make a demand on students’ time, we must spend time ourselves crafting the task so as to.
Both Alfie Kohn and John Taylor Gatto agree that there are many flaws within the structure, school is tedious and students aren't really learning, therefore holding us back from our true potential. I am more in favor of Kohn because schools are significant to society and if we fix a few mistakes then and there, we might make learning exciting once again. Gatto quoted a saying by H.L. Mencken.
A little homework can improve academic performance, but too much can switch a child off from learning. So the Blunkett advice has it about right and Kohn's exhortations for an end to all homework.
In the end the thing about homework is that there is no right answer. Just as the world is ever-changing and evolving so should an authentic classroom. Rigid policies of homework that are teacher-directed are much less likely to positively impact students than students pursuing their own questions in a rigorous manner where they may or may not need additional time and work outside of class.