Indian parents manage to spend the most amount of time helping their children with homework, according to а World Economic Forum (WEF) report. Homework is an important part of а student’s academic responsibilities. However, balancing homework with other commitments and ensuring it is а meaningful learning experience can be challenging. This article will discuss strategies teachers can take up to make homework more manageable and meaningful for students.
Understanding the Challenges of Homework
Despite several efforts by the government and schools to lessen the burden of homework, over 74.3% of Indian teachers still use “home assignments” as а top tool to assess students in every lesson, says the latest National Achievement Survey report for Classes 3, 5, and 8. Only 24.3% of teachers depend on project-based or experiential learning to assess students, the survey, which covered government and private schools across the country, found. This highlights the challenge both students and parents face in understanding assignments. Making homework engaging and tailored to students’ abilities is key.
Adding to the pressure, а study by the Better Sleep Council found that homework is а source of stress for 74% of students. Only school grades, at 75%, rated higher in the study. This figure rises for girls, with 80% citing homework as а source of stress. In the US, teens spend over 2 hours per school night on homework, amounting to more than 15 hours per week. Surprisingly, 4% of US teens do more than 6 hours of homework per night.
Make Homework Relevant
Students need to see the value of homework in order to devote time and effort. Teachers should communicate the purpose behind each assignment and discuss how it will aid learning. Finding what subjects and tasks interest students through questionnaires can help create more motivating homework. Tasks should not be used as punishment but to stimulate further learning outside the classroom.
Connecting homework to topics students already enjoy, like their hobbies, everyday experiences, and creativity, makes it feel worthwhile. Setting different types of assignments, like sending via email or having students create one, increases enjoyment. Providing choices engages students in the learning process.
Make Homework Manageable
Too much homework can become tedious. Teachers must carefully consider the number and frequency of assignments. The CBSE curriculum already requires significant time commitments from students – homework needs to feel achievable alongside other responsibilities to avoid stress and burnout. Limiting total homework time advised per day/evening based on grade level helps ensure it remains manageable.
Adjusting expectations according to individual student needs further supports а balanced approach. Indian parents manage to spend the most amount of time helping their children with homework, according to а World Economic Forum (WEF) report. Nearly 62 percent of parents in India on average spend about 12 hours а week to help children with their studies.
However, an online poll of nearly 300 parents found that 21.9% are too busy to review their children’s homework, and 31.6% do not look at their children’s homework because their children do not want their help. Interestingly, а study by the Center for American Progress found that 45% of parents think homework is too easy for their children.
Make Homework Enjoyable and Interesting
Varying tasks, personalizing content, and encouraging self-expression foster student engagement. Incorporating elements of fun, such as friendly competition or unexpected activities, adds excitement. Drawing connections between homework and students’ personal interests outside of school helps motivate completion.
Teachers should invite feedback to continually take up homework design and stay attuned to what students find most appealing. Making the experience positive will encourage independent learning habits and achievement of learning goals.
Monitor and Provide Favourable Feedback
Giving students descriptive, goal-oriented feedback and checking for understanding along the way supports learning from homework. Explaining assessment criteria upfront provides clarity. Teachers should observe progress, discuss struggles respectfully, and listen to student perspectives.
Noting accomplishments builds confidence. Used as а formative assessment tool, homework can effectively monitor comprehension and inform future lesson planning. Positive reinforcement motivates students to continue putting in effort.
Conclusion
The strategies discussed aim to make homework а constructive experience that boosts understanding and independent practice. Implementing regular feedback helps teachers continually take up the homework process.
GIIS Nagpur, one of the best CBSE schools in Nagpur, makes homework feel relevant, manageable, and enjoyable, so it can enhance students’ education without adding undue stress. With а student-centered approach, teachers at the GIIS Nagpursupport academic achievement holistically.
