Section 1: Academic Achievement - National Center for School ...

On the other hand, homework if not properly assigned and monitored, can have negative
effects on children. There is a worry that children will become bored if they are required to
spend too much time on schoolwork. Many parents believe that homework prevents their
children from taking part in leisure-time and community activities that take place after school.
Some educators and parents even believe that homework can lead to undesirable character
traits, such as cheating, either through copying or with help of homework that goes beyond
tutoring.
The issue is not which effects, the positive or negative, are correct. To some extent, both are.
It is the job of educators and parents to maximize the benefit of homework.
Literature Review
Every year parents of elementary students ask their classroom teachers countless questions,
but one topic that seems to get the most attention is homework. This is understandable since
homework is the one element of education that parents see first hand every day. With the
many demands of parenthood today educators want to do their part in making homework less
hectic in the households. This is one area of education where parents and families play an
important role in the process. Together, families and teachers can help children develop good
study habits and attitudes to become lifelong learners. It is important that schools form
partnerships with parents to promote the social, emotional, and academic growth of children.
Children benefit from loving, supportive relationships at home and at school. Research says
family involvement in education makes a difference.
Patricia von Oelhoffen (2003), author of The Importance of Homework, is a Program
Specialist for the Pacific Comprehensive Regional Assistance Center. She states that those
students who complete homework and turn it in on time improve academically and learn
important lessons on discipline, responsibility, and communication. She believes that planning
after school activities around homework reassures children that they can maintain a balance
between home and school. She also says that parents and other caregivers act as role models.
“When we show that we value education and emphasize the importance of homework, we
help children succeed”.
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