Friday, December 19, 2008

Topic: Homework

10-second review: The positive effects of homework.

Title: “Homework on Homework: Involving Students with a Controversial Issue.” Ben F. Nelms. English Journal (November 2008), 22-29. A publication of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE).

Summary/Quote: “Possible positive effects of homework are better retention of factual knowledge, increased understanding, improved attitude toward school, better study habits, greater self-discipline, better organization of time, and more independent problem solving.” p. 26.

Comment: All of the above imply a purpose for homework. Of the several positive effects of homework listed above, the one that I think is most important is “better study habits.” Teach the students how to study. Have them set up a study schedule. They need to become comfortable with a set time for study so that if they are in college, they will be ready to study on their own. But they also need to know how to preview reading assignments, how to write a paper, how to prepare for a test and how to go over notes from the day’s classes.

The reason for my comment is two years of working with “at risk” students at Syracuse University. They were “at risk” because they did not know how to study. RayS.

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