Why homework?
It’s THE question that echoes around the walls of every schoolchild’s home: “Do you have homework to do?”. It’s a routine for all pupils, and often for their parents or the adult present to help them, but what’s the point of homework?
Some people think that children already work hard enough, that the days are long and intense in terms of commitment to learning, and that homework is just too much! Others will say that homework is essential to ensure the success of our pupils.
What about it?
The Benefits
Homework consolidates knowledge by enabling students to apply what they’ve learned, thus reinforcing their understanding of concepts.
It also helps develop autonomy by establishing a routine that is well understood and mastered by the student, who becomes responsible for his or her own work.
They are also an open window on class work, enabling parents to follow the progress of learning projects.
The Pitfalls
Homework can lead to an excessive personal workload, which in turn generates stress, anxiety and fatigue. These consequences are counter-productive and hinder the student’s learning process.
While homework encourages the development of autonomy, it also requires supervision. Some students do not necessarily benefit from this daily supervision, or from the time they need to do their homework. This can lead to inequalities between students, creating a disparity in their ability to complete their homework and benefit from this additional practice.
The practice of homework can also strain relations between parents and children when children resist, or when homework is too long or too difficult.
FIS’ Approach
Balance! France’s national education system encourages routine homework, based on oral expression or written work to practice or memorise, and of a duration suited to the age and abilities of all pupils. As far as possible, they should be carried out independently by pupils, and respect the balance between work and free time.
The school also makes sure that supervised or directed studies are in place to help students who need it.
Parents are encouraged to share homework-related issues with teachers, so that they can provide their children with the best possible support in their schooling.
