Posted on: Thursday, February 9, 2006
Review, practice essential
By Ruth Dalisay
While it may be students' least favorite aspect of school, homework is one of the most important methods teachers can use to promote thorough understanding of material.
Teachers assign homework for several reasons, the most important of which is to give students a chance to review and practice what they've learned, as well as to explore subjects more fully than time permits in the classroom.
Homework also gives students a chance to develop good habits such as working independently, self-discipline and responsibility. Homework is an important part of the learning process and a helpful tool for practicing and mastering skills.
Here are a few tips to help your child with homework:
Set a regular time. It can help to schedule a standing time to tackle homework. This way, homework takes precedence over other activities that may come up. The best way to achieve good results is to create and enforce this schedule. When students get into a comfortable routine, homework time will become a habit. Make sure you are accessible in case they have questions or need guidance.
Pick a place and remove distractions. Create a comfortable space for your student to work. The area should be well lighted and have comfortable seating. For younger children, a cleared-off kitchen table is fine, but for older students a desk in their room may be better. Make sure all major distractions are removed while your child is studying. For example, the television, radio and telephone should be turned off or removed from the area.
Provide and supply students with materials. Pens, pencils, paper, assignment books and a dictionary should be available to your child while doing homework. This will free your child from having to break concentration to leave their study space to find these materials.
When your student asks for help, provide guidance, not answers. When you give your child the answers to a problem, they do not learn the material. Giving answers also teaches your child that when the going gets rough, someone will do the work for him or her. Finding and understanding the materials are important steps of learning.
Set a good example. When your child does homework, work on something quietly, pay bills or clean up your desk area. It reinforces the importance of being organized and demonstrates a good work ethic.
This column is provided through the Hawai'i State Teachers Association. Ruth Dalisay is a teacher at Kalakaua Middle School.
