I don't believe in homework. This is something I used to keep secret. I would say, "my kids finish their homework when they're done with their work." I was worried that it would appear weak. I was scared that people would think I had low standards.
Then I had a school-age kid. I watched my son wanting to read books, make his own picture books, build things, play on the swing set, collect bugs and he would rush through mindless packets. I grew angry at the intrusion of the school into family time in the name of "the real world" or "review" or whatever excuse people made.
So, I stand boldly against homework. My students do really well without it. If they want it (and some do) I will give them authentic work as enrichment. However, their time away should be exactly that: their time to themselves. So, if you are interested in joining this movement, please take the Abolishing Homework Pledge or you can add it to this spreadsheet.
Hi John.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you -- to a point. I think students need time away from school. But I wonder how you would have a conversation about a book or an essay when students have not yet read the work in question. Reading it together in class seems like a less than ideal use of time, especially since students read at different paces. In that case, I'd assign students to read and post comments to a blog to jump-start an in-class conversation. Would that violate the pledge?
I'm also with you, John--in spirit. I want the students to see learning as fun and rewarding and creative, not something done under duress and for a grade.
ReplyDeleteI teach high school and college writing classes . . . how would I abolish the HW in such a context. I believe that I could, but just some ideas to get my brain headed a fruitful direction.
THOUGHTS?
Best,
Ari @webuyballoons
This is a very relevant article for anyone interested in measuring online survey and customer loyalty. Especially the automation part I find quite interesting and relevant.
ReplyDeleteDissertation Service