Journal 6: Get Rid of Homework!

Spencer, J. (2011, 09 19).Ten reasons to get rid of homework (and five alternatives) Retrieved from http://www.educationrethink.com/2011/09/ten-reasons-to-get-rid-of-homework-and.html


 John T. Spencer believes that homework is an activity which should be reconsidered as useful.  In his article, he presents 10 reasons to defend his educational philosophy.  He argues that homework has become an activity that only those students who have someone who can continually monitor the activity at home or have someone  that will do it for them, benefit from homework as an academic reinforcement.  He also shares that children are busy and tired and that homework just becomes a task to be completed and there is no real retention of any of the content.  I agreed completely with John T. Spencer's view on homework.  I to, have been up against the scrutiny and judgement of my colleagues when I suggest that, as a staff, we consider homework as a valued exercise.   A large portion of the student population that I teach falls in that category of children who do have to go home and take care of siblings, parents and or grandparents.   We have constant complaints by the staff at my school in regards to the lack of homework completion, so why maintain it.  Don't we as educators need to learn to be flexible and isn't a major portion of our job, to problem solve?  So I suppose along with John T.Spencer, I will continue to strive to help push the paradigm shift.

 Here are my 5 suggestions for homework alternatives:

 1. Using the already established academic vocabulary list, ask students to write down, photograph, cut out and bring in, examples of that word being used in their community. Share all findings at the end of the week in a class discussion

 2. Ask students to participate in a recycling project for a week and at the end of the week create a graph to see how many items were recycled collectively

 3. Ask students to read a book or article to their sibling, grandparent or other person at home and that the experience will be discussed at the end of the week.

 4. After a class discussion on current events, ask the students to research on the topic in a group or independently and then students can share what they found in a presentation, Socratic seminar or small group discussion.

 5. Have the students pick a relative that they can access and speak with and have them interview them on a certain topic: immigration,Vietnam War, living in a different country vs. U.S. Once students have completed their interviews, class could create a website, mural, or other collective presentation of their findings.