Homework Assignment: spend at least four hours trying to understand the material we haven’t yet gone over in class, so that you can:
- labor piontlessly over a 40-problem math worksheet that could easily have been around 15 problems and accomplished the same learning goals,
- draft a four-page, five-paragraph essay that asks you to compare and contrast two “people you respect”, and will in no way benefit you as a writer or as a critical thinker,
- read chapter 10 of this book you had no choice in selecting, and in no way challenges you as a reader, even though you’re dying to read another book you’ve heard about, but has been censored at this school because of its use of “offensive language”,
- and while you’re at it, skip dinner with the family, stay up way too late and fall asleep at your computer with your contacts in, try not to be distracted by the noise your friends are making down the street as they are laughing and playing kickball, and most importantly, develop an acute resentment for all of academia on an institutional level.
This assignment is due at the beginning of class each day, and is intended to help you understand that you are, in no way, a creative, young mind that deserves either choice in your learning process, or time outside of school for other interests. Please feel free to not ask questions . . . Trust us, even though there is no statistical evidence that shows this type of assignment is in any way beneficial to your learning process, we’ve been doing it this way for a long time, and therefore it must be the best way.
If you’re a student and are hoping for an alternative assignment, this blog is for you. If your a parent or teacher or anybody who wants to debate the merits of homework, I welcome your responses and criticism. Above all I want to explore the great myths of homework, perhaps debunking a few along the way, and sharing ideas with people about alternative methods. Some feeds from which I will be referencing articles and ideas: Stop Homework, a blog by Sara Bennett; a blog called The Month of June, which is written by a self-proclaimed “poker playing, frisbee throwing, bike pedaling, coffee drinking, holistic health loving, food network watching, yoga posing, PhD student and writing instructor”; as well a several other news sources (The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, etc.).
1 Comment
Comments feed for this article
January 22nd, 2008 at 6:02 pm
I can completely understand the comparison between a zoo and a school, especially in an elementary school. The things that get done (or the ones that don’t get done) are important to look at. I think that your exploration of cutting-edge teaching strategies is something that will really make you a more successful teacher. I also think that wanting to redefine homework is a great way to build successful students and bring change to the classroom. The idea of the pointless math sheet is very relatable, and I think looking for a way to make them not so pointless, or even just a way to make them more inclusive in the lessons and lives of your students is a great way for them to learn. Especially in English classes, students find many writing assignments pointless and useless. I think exploring “A New Way to Learn” will not only make you a more exciting and intelligent teacher, but it will also make your students appreciate your class. I remember being a student, and not looking forward to some classes and some assignments, and I think that if you find different ways of approaching teaching and learning, your students will be grateful. If you can find a way to redefine homework, as well as create success in the classroom and lives of your students, I’d say you’re on your way to success yourself J