Homework does not work, so give more

Here is an interesting article I came across from a school district in Michigan. The district did a survey where they found out that most homework was coming in late. They were concerned that there was not enough of a culture of learning. So they come up with the recommendation to give out more homework, this time, summer reading assignments. It is interesting to me that we would look at evidence that a technique is not working, and then respond by saying we should do it more. To me, the logical conclusion from this article is to start with basics, foster the direct relationship between teacher and student and make the classroom the primary place to establish a culture of learning. Let homework be secondary in importance and, if anything, support parents in their efforts to extend learning in their home, not criticize them for what they are not doing, or make education dependent on things that are outside the teacher's control.


Dr. Kenneth Goldberg is a clinical psychologist with 35 years of professional experience in dealing with many different psychological issues. He is the author of The Homework Trap: How to Save the Sanity of Parents, Students and Teachers and currently works in his own private practice.

Visit the The Homework Trap website