Homework: helpful or hassle?
By Brett King, RMCA Headmaster
We all remember it. I disliked it. But as I grew older, I was glad I
had it. Mention the word homework to most students and they will groan.
Mention it to parents, they often moan. Regrettably, homework suffers
from a bad reputation.
Homework does have value. In his classic book, Ending
the Homework Hassle, psychologist, John Rosemond outlines his “seven
hidden values” that homework promotes:
Responsibility
Autonomy
Perseverance
Time Management
Initiative
Self-reliance
Resourcefulness
The manner in which homework is handled can help develop
these traits. But it can also hinder them. That is why I recommend that
parents follow Rosemond’s “ABC’s” of homework:
“A” stands for “all by myself.”
Where homework is completed is very important. It is best
done in an area free from interruptions, distractions, and other people.
The kitchen table may be great place for the family to share a meal.
It is not a good place to complete assignments. This elevates homework
to a “family affair.” It is not. Except when explicitly
stated by the teacher, homework is first a student’s responsibility.
“B” stands for “back-off.”
Parents’ involvement in homework should be limited.
Initiative for starting and completing homework belongs to the child,
unless she specifically asks for help. And help means help. Clarifying
directions, demonstrating a procedure, or reviewing accuracy can be
useful. Nagging students about the time and quality of their work usually
is not. If a student asks for assistance, it should be brief and encouraging.
Hovering benefits neither the child nor the parent. And while doing
a child’s homework for them or with them may be easier at times,
it can lead to an unhealthy dependency that is difficult to break.
“C” stands for “call it quits.”
I rarely make a good decision after 9:00pm. Neither are
the benefits of homework realized late, right before bedtime. Students
who are well rested do better in school, even if their homework isn’t
done. It’s important to set an upper limit on homework. That is,
parents should set a consistent time when homework must stop, complete
or not.
For many, calling it quits often proves to be the most
difficult. After all, there will be consequences at school for incomplete
homework. That’s OK. Experiencing both the pain and the pleasure
of choices is part of the learning process. This creates an opportunity
to work on solving a problem. And, when students solve problems for
themselves, they build self-confidence.
Rosemond, of course, goes into much greater detail in
his book, and deals with the tough cases when tensions between parent
and child are high. I must warn you, however: Rosemond’s advice
can be tough. He wisely states that sometimes the homework hassle will
get worse before it gets better. Breaking deeply-ingrained habits takes
time and perseverance.
At RMCA, we take great care to make homework both appropriate
and beneficial. It is certainly not our goal to make it painful or a
waste of time. If it is either of these on a consistent basis, please
let us know. We want to partner with you in turning homework from a
hassle to a help!
Another good book is Homework
Without Tears by Lee Canter and Lee Hausner.
John Rosemond’s website: www.rosemond.com
