By Les Huysmans

Understanding the Landscape of Homework

Homework has always been a topic of debate in education. While it’s a tool to reinforce classroom learning, it can often become a source of stress for students and parents alike. The solution? A synchronized approach between school and home, ensuring the homework process is efficient and stress-free.

The Collaborative Power of Translanguaging

Firstly, it is imperative to understand the homework landscape. A study on collaboration between parents and schools emphasises the importance of understanding each other’s needs and available resources. The research highlights the potential of translanguaging homework (TLH) as a tool to foster collaboration. Translanguaging involves using multiple languages to enhance learning. For example, a math problem might be presented in both Thai and English, allowing parents who are more comfortable in one language to assist their child. Similarly, history homework might involve reading materials in both languages, catering to the linguistic strengths of the student and their family. When parents and teachers collaborate using tools like TLH, it can lead to a more inclusive learning environment. Students benefit from a holistic approach where both school and home contribute to their learning, ensuring they grasp concepts more effectively

Deciphering the Homework Dilemma

Research on mathematics homework sheds light on the factors that make homework completion difficult. Students AND parents feel overwhelmed after a day’s school/work activities, and a lack of parental involvement can impact homework completion. For instance, a student might have extracurricular activities like sports or music lessons, leaving them with limited time for homework. Alternatively, parents, due to work commitments, are unable to assist or supervise their child’s homework. These inconsistent homework practices can lead to gaps in understanding and retention. When students don’t complete assignments, they miss out on opportunities to reinforce classroom learning, which can affect their academic performance.

Learning from Global Policies

A paper on changes in homework policy in China discusses its effects on home education. The “double reduction” policy in China aimed to reduce the homework burden and off-campus training for students. For example, after the policy’s implementation, schools might have limited the amount of homework assigned, while private tutoring centres saw restrictions in their operating hours. The absence of structured after-school time, for example through set homework times, can impact students differently. High-achieving students might still excel, but those who rely on additional support might face challenges. This underscores the importance of a balanced approach to homework and the need for parental involvement where possible.

Cooperative Education: Bridging School and Home

The concept of cooperative education, as discussed in another study, focuses on the joint responsibility of schools and parents in a child’s education. Cooperative education promotes a shared approach where both schools and parents play active roles in a child’s learning journey. This might involve strategies like joint parent-teacher meetings, shared online platforms for tracking student progress, or collaborative projects that involve both classroom and home-based activities. When schools and homes work in tandem, it creates a supportive learning environment. Students benefit from consistent teaching methods and expectations, leading to better understanding and retention.

Navigating the Homework Path Forward

The key to overcoming the homework challenge lies in understanding its complexities and implementing strategies that promote school-home collaboration. Parents can:

1. Establish Consistent Homework Routines: Create a dedicated time and space for homework, ensuring minimal distractions.
2. Engage in Continuous Dialogue: Regularly communicate with teachers to understand the academic needs of your child.
3. Leverage Educational Resources: Explore online platforms and resources to aid your child’s learning journey.
4. Encourage Independent Problem Solving: Instead of providing direct answers, guide your child to solutions, fostering critical thinking.
5. Celebrate Small Wins: Recognize and reward efforts, building motivation and confidence.

By adopting these steps and fostering a cooperative learning environment, parents can ensure that homework becomes a beneficial tool, reinforcing learning and enhancing academic success.

Well, if you’ve made it this far, I must’ve done something right, or you’re just procrastinating from doing something far more important! Either way, I do hope you pinched a nugget or two of ‘wisdom’. Fancy a chat? Shuffle over to the About Les-page to hunt down my details. Cheerio!