No homework!

No homework!

In effect as of June 20th 2018

In Educ@tional Dynamics we decided to abolish homework for all classes from Beginners A to D Senior (and for the respective classes in German, Spanish and Italian) for winter courses, and for all intensive summer courses in all 4 languages including B2 and Modular Proficiency C1-C2.

We have also reduced homework assignments for B1, B2 (in all 4 languages), and for Modular Proficiency C1-C2 in winter courses.

This policy has been in effect since 20th June 2018 and the programme is run smoothly and effectively.

Homework or no homework?

Since the early 20th century, homework has been favoured as studying practice that would bridge learning at school and learning at home. It went through many phases with supporters and non-supporters. In a nutshell, assigning homework has been a controversial issue for many decades.

Scientific research has found out that homework in primary school offers no academic advantage. Instead, it overwhelms struggling children and is boring for high achievers.

A 2002 study showed a direct relationship between time spent on homework and increased anxiety, anger, depression, and other mood changes among students.

Homework potentially increases family conflict. Additionally, the more parents help with children’s homework, the more tension children experience and, finally, they don’t learn. Consequently, homework loses its original role.

It also reduces time for other activities that provide balance and variety to a child’s life, such as sport, music, art, or other extra-curricular activities, or to relax and simply be children.

On the other hand, no one can dispute that certain amount of homework promotes self-discipline, improves study skills and work habits, helps students be responsible and prepares them for the “real world” if, of course, it is done properly.

Nevertheless, the conclusion of several studies is clear: homework actually drives kids away from learning, makes them less successful in school, and interrupts their childhood.

Advantages & disadvantages of homewora) Advantages

With daily assignments students understand the material that has been taught by revising it.
Daily assignments keep learners in practice.
Assignments and projects help students to learn the value of time organisation. This is a crucial skill that they will need in the future. With the right technique they learn how to manage time and perform better.

b) Disadvantages

Most students already have a huge workload in the primary and secondary education, and putting additional pressure for foreign language learning only makes matters worse.
Assigning homework questions the futility of the teaching at school. If they have to study at home too, then how efficient are their teachers?
There is no easy way to check whether the student is doing the work by himself. Most of the times parents help at home, so, finally, the students hardly learn anything, but at the same time they may get good grades.
Students have to spend all their time on assignments. This way they miss out on other important activities like sports and hobbies. Students must take part in extracurricular activities for their all-round development.

‘No homework’ policy

After experimenting with some classes since early 2015 without or very little homework, we found that the progress and the learning outcomes of the students were not affected. On the contrary, the students were more attentive and more creative during lessons and developed linguistic skills even further. After class they spent more time with family and friends and enjoyed every minute without family conflicts, anxiety or stress.

Is ‘No Homework’ policy easy to implement?

No, it isn’t easy for the educator. We had to change our instruction in class and introduce and incorporate on-site practice (OSP) to reach the desired outcome. And it works! Outcomes are even better! We have control over our students’ learning progress, parents cannot be involved and peer collaboration makes learners more competitive.

Our young learners even leave their school bags in the school and our advanced classes leave their dictionaries behind after class.

References:

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/opinion/why-kids-are-better-off-without-homework/news-story/1eadd751fde12f4bef1dc5e8122b3473

http://time.com/4740297/homework-should-be-banned-from-schools/

Personal observation and experience