Formally withdrawing child from homework

Person_one

Mojisola wrote: »

Some children are hugely disadvantaged by having to do their homework in a difficult home environment whereas other have every advantage with computers and books and educated parents who take an interest - and, on occasion, do it for the kids!

That's a really good point.

Its a balancing act then, I suppose. Children who plan to go to university will be in for a shock and struggle if they've never had to do homework. Children who have chaotic homes lives are at a huge disadvantage if too much assessment is based on homework.

*max*

Surely the lessons are built on the premise that the children will work on the given subject at home so they can perfect it/explore it further than what is possible in the allotted class time (ie: theory in class, practice at home). If one of the students doesn't do the practice, he/she will be forever behind in the understanding of the subject.

It would be different if there was no homework for anyone, as is done in several countries, but then the class time is utilised differently to reflect this. Having just one child not doing the homework completely throws out the balance IMO and I can't see how this would work in practice.

bestpud

meritaten wrote: »

I have to say bestpud - this has me stumped! having always accepted 'homework' as a fact of secondary education - the notion of having my parents 'opt out for me' never crossed my mind! or for my kids.
can I ask WHY are you asking?

I'm not asking because it's something I plan to do, of that's what you are thinking.

It was suggested (by school staff) that I formally reduce the homework my daughter will receive in secondary school as work takes much longer for her to complete and we were spending several hours doing homework the teacher thought should take an hour at most.

Sooo, I started thinking about the pros and cons of homework and I guess I'm just curious to know how many have refused homework altogether.

zaksmum

In my opinion homework is essential to ensure the pupil has understood the lessons preceding it.

I'm sure the child would be delighted to cop out of homework but prospective employers wouldn't be as thrilled if he leaves school without any qualifications.

bestpud

Person_one wrote: »

Withdrew herself from what? I'm talking about kids that just stopped doing any homework! :rotfl:

She'll have had to do a lot of independent study at university, or she wouldn't have a first.

She refused to do any homework at secondary school.

Just point blank refused.

She worked hard at college and university and hasn't suffered at all.

BillyB

I think in primary school they are more likely to get away with it but I know from family the kids get in trouble if their homework isnt in on time and thats a 8 and 11 year old. IMO the younger kids get too much homework, I mean the 5-6 year olds. I can understand the older ones getting homework, preparing to go to secondary school.

Person_one

bestpud wrote: »

She refused to do any homework at secondary school.

Just point blank refused.

She worked hard at college and university and hasn't suffered at all.

I imagine that's pretty rare, I wonder what changed so much between school and further education.

Mojisola

*max* wrote: »

Surely the lessons are built on the premise that the children will work on the given subject at home so they can perfect it/explore it further than what is possible in the allotted class time (ie: theory in class, practice at home). If one of the students doesn't do the practice, he/she will be forever behind in the understanding of the subject.

There's nothing magical about doing it in the home environment - it's doing the work individually that counts. That can be done anywhere.

Our library runs a homework club on the days it is open so that children can use the books and computers - that does help some of the more disadvantaged kids.

I would still like to see individual work be part of the school day.

*max*

Of course the work doesn't have to be done at home, just because it's called "homework". It still needs to be done though.

valk_scot

bestpud wrote: »

I know someone who withdrew herself and she went on to get a First at uni and is now working in her chosen field and doing very well.

You don't get a First by simply turning up for the lectures and tutorials and never doing another stroke of work. There are always essays, reports, assignments and all sorts of project work that has to be done outside of class time to say nothing of final year dissertations. That's homework when all is said and done, work that's done outside of official class time. And if you've not got used to doing this sort of self lead study before you get to uni you're unlikely to be able to get the hang of it that fast. Your friend in the example above may have managed it but it's not a wise choice for the vast majority of kids.