A few days ago the Record newspaper of Bergen County, N.J., printed an essay from a student on the amount of homework today’s students receive.
I know virtually nothing about modern homework: how much there is, what it consists of, etc. All I know is that the backpacks the kids use today seem bigger and heavier than the bookbags we lugged around quite a few years ago.
But above and beyond the particulars of homework, the coach in me wonders about the “why.” What is the purpose of homework?
Is it a way to keep kids occupied after school?
Is it a way to deepen learning?
Is it a way to assert a teacher’s authority?
I just don’t know, but would love to hear more, because homework is a big part of the world for the student/athletes I’m coaching. If you’re an educator, or know one, please help me with this question: What is the purpose of homework?
hi mike
it should be to deepen learning.
However as a parent and teacher I have seen it used to asssert authority and to keep kids busy.
Example :when a student is given 20 similar math problems when mastery can be achieved after doing 5 successfully.
Hi mike. At the college level, we associate homework with an activity you do away from the practice/competition that keeps you engaged or can prepare you for the next practice or competition.
I would surmise that homework should focus on an element of the past to promote mastery, while challenging the student’s or athlete’s curiosity to achieve or set a new goal.
“No mind learns faster than a curious one”
all the best