Journal 6 "Ten Reasons to Get Rid of Homework"

Spencer, J. (2011, September 19). [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://www.educationrethink.com/2011/09/ten-reasons-to-get-rid-of-homework-and.html


Children have a very busy schedule starting from an early age.  Some teachers have developed alternative ways for students to continue to learn while being away from school.  Recently, there have been several teachers that have voiced their concerns about whether students should be required to do homework on a regular basis or not.  In John Spencer's blog, "Ten Reasons to Get Rid of Homework," he suggests ten different reasons why students should not have to do homework.  One of his main concerns with homework is that it promotes an inequitable situation.  Students all have different home lives, for example, one child could go home and have both parents there to help with homework, while another student has to go home and take care of their siblings because both parents are at work.  Depending on which research one believes, arguments have been made that homework does not raise achievement and it can actually inhibit students from effectively learning.  I would have to agree that I think homework does promote an inequitable situation.  As an educator, I would come up with alternative ways to stimulate the minds of young people.  Some of my alternative homework ideas consist of:  


1. To get students involved in clubs: such as Boy Scouts, martial arts, sports, music, etc.  Students need to have other activities that may be enjoyable.  I have stated before that not all students are going to grow up and become lawyers or doctors, so I think it is a good idea to get them involved in other activities.
2. Students should have the option to stay after school for additional help.  It will be my duty as an educator to come in early and stay after school to help every student succeed.
3. Students should have the opportunity to create arts and crafts.  At a young age, students can develop a liking for the arts and decide to pursue it further down the road.
4. Students should help out in the community.  I think all of the students should have an active role in the community, whether it be helping build something or help taking care of pets.
5. Read and write on their own. Students should be encouraged to read and write on their own so they don't feel like they are forced into doing something.  I think students will do better in reading and writing if they were reading something that interested them.