Probably, one of the challenges teachers have is keeping sane when their students do not do their homework. You probably have made them write in an intermediate paper the words “I will do my homework.” until the page is full but find the next day they still did not do it.
As a student, we may have our own memories of homework. You could have done it not because you liked it but maybe you wanted to get a good grade or maybe there was nothing good to watch in TV anyway. You could have probably done it just for the sake of getting it done.
So, with that remembrance, and today’s agony, the question would then be, “Why don’t students seem to care about homework?”
You will get the answer when you ask them. Have an open discussion what are their problems and concerns about doing their homework. As you interact with them, you are able to understand them better and you can now interject why you have to give them homework anyway. Share to them your own personal experiences about homework when you are still a student. Give your insights. When your students see the reality of the relevance of homework, they most possibly do it now that they know its value.
When you have answered queries about why students should do homework, you can inculcating the value of responsibility. State real life situations. Homework is like completing a project on time when they start working. If they do not complete the project, they might get fired or lose clients. It is like paying your monthly dues which when you do not pay, you suffer as well because your services will be cut. Homework develop the responsibility muscle that can greatly impact their ability to earn money in the future.
Doing homework also allows students to develop the skill of multi-tasking. When they get home and they need to do household chores, they can encourage to do their tasks while at the same time doing their homework. Like cook rice and look after it while doing your homework instead of watching that telenovela they follow. Homework can actually train them to develop time-management and study skills to help them cut homework time.
Finally, make sure you provide clear instructions to guide students in doing their homework properly. Avoid giving out confusing instructions as this may only lead the student to become more lazy in doing their task. Always be at the encouraging end showing them the real world through their homework.
References:
Duan, X., Wei, S., Wang, G. & Shi, J.: The Relationship between executive functions and intelligence on 11- to 12-year-old children. Psychol Test Assess Model, 52 (4), 419-431.
Perry, N.E., Phillips, L., & Hutchinson, L.R. (2006). Preparing student teachers to support for self-regulated learning. Elementary School Journal, 106, 237-254.
Pintrich, P. R. (2000). Multiple goals, multiple pathways: The role of goal orientation in learning and achievement. Journal of Educational Psychology, 92, 544-555.
By: MARIA MAY S. FORIO | MT-I | BEPZ Elementary School | Mariveles, Bataan
