Homework

HOMEWORK

What is homework? Homework is the word that describes the out-of-class assignments given to students by a teacher. Homework may be assigned for a number of reasons:

• 1. To check students' understanding of things discussed in class

  2. to provide practice

  3. to serve as preparation for future classes

  4. to complete work not completed in class

What should be done during this time: There are essentially four things you can and should be doing at home in order to complement the work you are doing at school:

• 1. Complete homework assignments

  2. Prepare for upcoming tests

  3. Study notes and ideas discussed in class

  4. Read (course material covered in class)

What is "home study"? Home study is a broader term than is homework. It may include homework assigned by a teacher, but more specifically, it involves those parts of schoolwork you chose to do on your own, because you want to learn.

• 1. Reviewing what has already been covered in class

  2. Writing summaries of notes taken in class

  3. Reading text books or other resources that increase your understanding of a subject

Although on any given day you may have no actual homework assignments, you will always have cause for home study, since reviewing notes and doing supplementary reading are continuous processes. Therefore, when you say, "I have no homework tonight", your parents would do well to reply, "Good, then you'll have time for home study". It is very important that parents start the year off on the right foot by discussing the importance and ensuring that homework becomes a regular activity at home.

DOING HOMEWORK RESULTS IN HIGHER GRADES:

• • Reinforces the present day’s lesson

  • Prepares for the next days lesson

  • Reinforces acquired skills and develops study habits

  • Helps develop a sense of responsibility

  • Prepares students to face the demands presented through life

  • Teachers students independent learning

Homework is a very important aspect of the learning process and can be a critical aspect of student success. The refusal to complete homework assignments greatly increases the likelihood of failure to achieve outcomes as laid out by the Department of Education. Sometimes students will repeat grades because they did not receive the benefits of having done homework.

While occasional unfinished homework assignments may occur, repeated, defiant refusal to accept responsibility for assignments will be dealt with accordingly. Administration, in consultation with teachers may limit or terminate the ability to participate in extra-curricular activities i.e. teams, clubs, dances, etc., until the problem has been rectified.

When students are absent from school it is their responsibility to get missed work and find out about assigned tests/projects. Parents may also consult the school homework website. Teachers may gather notes/handouts for those absent for an extended period if the student is ill as a courtesy. This will not occur however when the student is absent due to a family trip or event. However, it is not a teacher’s responsibility to photocopy missed work. Ultimately, the student is primarily responsible for his or her own learning.