Homework in the 21st Century: The “Edu-lution” Begins

This Powerpoint is not properly cited via APA or MLA or anything. I wasn’t in the mood to cite things.

Authors/Researchers CitedKohn, AlfieVatterott, Kathy

School Stress“You are not truly alive without stress. Being

challenged makes you learn new things and keeps your brain functioning. In all the major theories of learning, there is tress. But if stress is really interfering with development, that is a problem. Sometimes with too much stress, kids get immobilized.” Brenda Bryant, Ph.D.

Preventing School StressSpend time with your children.

Take advantage of opportunities to have real conversations

Provide perspective when child engages in “catastrophic thinking” and/or “what-if” thinking.

Give your kids a stable home environment.Set up a daily routine.

Monitor eating habits.Help students process behavior and actions.Express confidence that they can handle

everything on their plate.

Preventing School Stress (cont.)Consider whether your child is over-scheduled.Encourage exercise.

17% of children ages 2-19 are obsese (12.5 million kids)(CDL, 2014)

Encourage sleep.30-40% of students get less than 6 hours of sleepRecommended amount is 9.5 hours per night

Watch the “Parental Pressure.”Growth Mindset v. Fixed MindsetKeep childhood fun! (some unstructured time,

relax, play)

Homework24% of surveyed parents believe homework is

a leading cause of stress for students.45% of surveyed parents believe school is a

major life stress for students.A study of national and international math

and science exams and volume of homework found a negative correlation (Baker and Letendre).

No studies exist to validate the belief that homework yields non-academic benefits.

Homework (cont.)Time on task (homework) is correlated to

achievement only if both the activity and the outcome measure are focused on rote recall as opposed to problem solving.

Does it make sense to say, “Keep practicing until you understand?” Practice doesn’t create understanding.

Giving a deadline doesn’t teach time-management skills.

Make sure research is valid. What if the title, “Study finds homework boosts achievement” really means “A relentless regimen of after-school drill-and-skill can raise scores a tiny bit on tests of rote learning.

MythsMyth: Homework teaches responsibility

Studies indicate that responsibility is learned only if parents systematically structure and supervise homework (Kralovec and Buell, 2000).

Myth: Fair means giving all students the same amount of homework.Neurology and research shows that all

students have different “paces.” (processing speed, working memory, executive functioning, cognitive command).

Effective HomeworkClear Academic Purpose

No busy work. Pre-learning, checking for understanding, practice, processing

Quality homework is doable. Students can feel positive about themselves.

Homework can be personally relevant and customized. Promote ownership.

Reasonable Time Limits NEA and Natl. PTA endorse the “10 minute multiplied by grade

level in school.” Research shows that more than 120 minutes per night leads to a

decline in performance. Downtime and rest are needed for optimal performance.