Journal #6: Ten Reasons to Get Rid of Homework

Spencer, J. (2011, September 19). Ten Reasons to Get Rid of Homework (and Five Alternatives). Retrieved from http://www.educationrethink.com/2011/09/ten-reasons-to-get-rid=of-homework-and.html 

Summary: Homework has always been a hot debate in Education. John T. Spencer who wrote the article Ten Reasons to Get Rid of Homework finds the topic to be quite simple. There should be no homework. John argues that homework main purpose in teaching students good working habits is actually creates bad habits. Kids need to have fun in John's eyes and after school is the time to climb trees and ride a bike. With his five alternatives which involves homework being optional, he believes that the key is not to grade these assignments. Another alternative is to push the idea that learning comes naturally. By parents allowing their children to engage in something simple as the skate park will allow their child to learn and grow in all the ways needed to succeed in life.

Five Alternatives to Homework
1. Allow students to create their own project sharing with the class their interest and hobbies outside the classroom. Have them share with the class how this interest/hobbies helps them within the classroom.
2. Allow kids to invest in their community. Have them either do community service or share with the class how they give back to the community outside of school.
3. Have students write about their daily lessons at the end of class, allow them to share with the teacher and students what they liked and what they did not understand in class. Allowing them to reflect on the material presented will give the teacher a better understand of were each student is in his or her class.
4. Have the students share with someone at home what they learned in class, see if they can teach and quiz the family member/friend on the material.
5. Teach the students how to research. By researching an important historical figure students will dress up and stay in character for the day. Allowing them to be creative and have fun.