Homework often has a negative connotation in a pupil’s mind. It is, more often than not, looked at as a restricting force on a student's unbound energy which would like to seek release in a game of football or cricket instead of being glued to a chair and continue with school tasks. However, homework, no doubt, is a necessary evil. To turn a mundane task into an interesting one is what one has to look into.
International Boarding Schools
in India
(ISBN 978-81-904055-5-3) March 2008 35 pages, US$7.99
Buy Now, click below to add to cart.
The download link will be sent in a confirmation email.
Home assignment
Homework is a teacher’s invisible presence at home giving individual attention to every student. An item taught to 30-40 students in an Indian school in 40 minutes duration needs to be recapitulated individually so as to understand the concepts better and check on areas that are not clear.
An ideal homework should be a link between the school and the outside world. Learning should not be confined within the four walls of the class room. It extends much beyond that. Home work gives scope to application of concepts in a practical way, gathering extra information, experimenting with new methods to solve problems thus giving greater knowledge of the topic. It also helps integrate various subjects and look at knowledge in a holistic manner. A task that cannot be tested and tried at one’s own pace at school can be done at home in a more relaxed manner. An enriching exercise for the brighter student is extremely important.
Home assignment a step to personality development
Apart from academic importance, homework is a character building exercise as well. First and foremost, it establishes a sense of responsibility in a student. It encourages accountability, trustworthiness, dependability and discipline which form the base of character building. A strong moral character automatically enhances one’s charisma.
Execution of homework
Time for homework should have a sense of sanctity about it. From the pupil’s point of view, he is obeying his teacher’s orders and finds himself getting ready for the next day at school.
An exclusive place to study will help in focusing his attention on the given task.
A parent should back off and give the child breathing space to complete his task.
An ideal completion is one that is done within a reasonable timeframe.
Parents’ role
Often in their anxiety to see that the child is able to complete his task within a stipulated time, parents lend a helping hand. When a parent over indulges in a child’s assignment, he robs the child of his sense of responsibility and sense of achievement. This will hamper the growth of the child. A parent should, therefore, remain a consultant and not a participant in the execution of homework. Keeping in touch with a child’s work without interfering too much will help parents maintain the school-child relationship. What is considered really important is checking up on feedback from your child's school teachers on any assignment submitted.
How much is too much?
With 4-5 subjects taught in a day in any Indian school, every teacher aims at making her/his invisible presence felt through homeworks! The student no doubt feels overwhelmed. The reigns of a child’s thoughts remain with the teacher. The fear of being taken to task for not completing homework weighs more heavily on the child’s mind than the desire to complete his work. Study habit formation becomes one of stress. Excess homework is one that:
a. Erodes a child’s playtime.
b. Keeps a child away from parents and siblings for too long.
c. Creates a sense of revolt against school.
d. Fails to generate a sense of gratitude towards the efforts of the teacher.
A healthy and ideal homework is one
That makes homecoming for a child a happy one,
Limited tasks to be completed as per the level and age of the child,
Efficient class room teaching that makes home work appear lighter,
Leaves time for interaction with parents, friends and siblings and
Above all, creates a sense of achievement and pride.
Chillibreeze's disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views of Chillibreeze as a company. Chillibreeze has a strict anti-plagiarism policy. Please contact us to report any copyright issues related to this article.
Out of 5 “chilies”, our editorial team gave this article...
—About our writer:
Ramalakshmi says, "Twenty years in the field of education and constant interaction with youngsters have kept me mentally agile and inquisitive. The best compliment I recieved was from a 11 year old 7th grader who said I (55 yrs old) was his role model! Apart from reading & crossword puzzle, discussing national, international and domestic matters of importance (not necessarily in that order!) are my areas of interest."
>> Read more articles written by Chillibreeze writers:
Chillibreeze offers Indian writers the opportunity to work on customer projects. We are also India’s biggest writer network and a one-stop shop for Indian writers and editors. The writers’ section on Chillibreeze offers freelance writers and editors a variety of tools to advance their careers. Resources for writers include:
Explore our writers’ section using the links on our left-hand side menu.
About Chillibreeze
Chillibreeze offers content writing services to customers from all over the globe. We also leverage our experience in the content industry to publish ebooks about niche topics.
Upgrade Your Writing Sign up for news, events, jobs, tips
