Perceptions of the Effects of Homework on Student Achievement at a Suburban Middle School: a Program Evaluation" (2016)

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Perceptions of the Effects of Homework on Student Achievement at a Suburban Middle School: a Program Evaluation National Louis University Digital Commons@NLU Dissertations 12-2016 Perceptions Of The ffecE ts Of Homework On Student Achievement At A Suburban Middle School: A Program Evaluation Cody Huisman National Louis University Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.nl.edu/diss Part of the Curriculum and Instruction Commons, Educational Leadership Commons, and the Elementary and Middle and Secondary Education Administration Commons Recommended Citation Huisman, Cody, "Perceptions Of The Effects Of Homework On Student Achievement At A Suburban Middle School: A Program Evaluation" (2016). Dissertations. 207. https://digitalcommons.nl.edu/diss/207 This Dissertation - Public Access is brought to you for free and open access by Digital Commons@NLU. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertations by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons@NLU. For more information, please contact [email protected]. PERCEPTIONS OF THE EFFECTS OF HOMEWORK ON STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT AT A SUBURBAN MIDDLE SCHOOL: A PROGRAM EVALUATION Cody Huisman Educational Leadership Doctoral Program Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of Doctor of Education In the Foster G. McGaw Graduate School National College of Education National Louis University December, 2016 Document Origination Statement Digital Commons @ NLU This document was created as one part of the three-part dissertation requirement of the National Louis University (NLU) Educational Leadership (EDL) Doctoral Program. The National Louis Educational Leadership EdD is a professional practice degree program (Shulman et al., 2006). For the dissertation requirement, doctoral candidates are required to plan, research, and implement three major projects, one each year, within their school or district with a focus on professional practice. The three projects are: Program Evaluation Change Leadership Plan Policy Advocacy Document For the Program Evaluation candidates are required to identify and evaluate a program or practice within their school or district. The “program” can be a current initiative; a grant project; a common practice; or a movement. Focused on utilization, the evaluation can be formative, summative, or developmental (Patton, 2008). The candidate must demonstrate how the evaluation directly relates to student learning. In the Change Leadership Plan candidates develop a plan that considers organizational possibilities for renewal. The plan for organizational change may be at the building or district level. It must be related to an area in need of improvement, and have a clear target in mind. The candidate must be able to identify noticeable and feasible differences that should exist as a result of the change plan (Wagner et al., 2006). In the Policy Advocacy Document candidates develop and advocate for a policy at the local, state or national level using reflective practice and research as a means for supporting and promoting reforms in education. Policy advocacy dissertations use critical theory to address moral and ethical issues of policy formation and administrative decision making (i.e., what ought to be). The purpose is to develop reflective, humane and social critics, moral leaders, and competent professionals, guided by a critical practical rational model (Browder, 1995). Works Cited Browder, L.H. (1995). An alternative to the doctoral dissertation: The policy advocacy concept and the policy document. Journal of School Leadership, 5, 40-69. Patton, M. Q. (2008). Utilization-focused evaluation (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Shulman, L.S., Golde, C.M., Bueschel, A.C., & Garabedian, K.J. (2006). Reclaiming education’s doctorates: A critique and a proposal. Educational Researcher, 35(3), 25-32. Wagner, T., et al. (2006). Change leadership: A practical guide to transforming our schools. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass i ABSTRACT The purpose of this program evaluation was to gain a clear understanding of how homework supports or deters the achievement of students, specifically the overall grade a student attains. This document details how students and teachers at a suburban Middle School perceive homework and its effect on student learning. The findings were that many students received failing grades in classes, primarily due to missing homework. The program evaluation used mixed methodology. Using survey and focus group results in conjunction with current literature, the conclusion revealed a need for homework policies that would support student learning without punishing students’ grades. Students shared that they have busy lives and much of the homework is challenging for them to complete on their own. Teachers shared feelings of how subjective homework policies and grading can be, and they agreed that policies should be designed with this in mind. The recommendations made were for policies that are more consistent, and that grading policies do not put too much emphasis on homework as part of an overall grade. ii PREFACE There are topics in American education that have been an essential issue at every school, and homework is one of those topics. Homework is an important part of the culture at Lee Middle School. The majority of the staff uses it as a tool to enhance learning. Homework is also viewed by many staff members as a way to build responsibility and work ethic. Conducting a program evaluation questioning a practice that is perceived to build these skills was challenging. The experience has given me an opportunity to refine my leadership skills in several areas. Three of these leadership skills are building strong professional relationships, being a change agent, and guiding and focusing research on a topic that is built into the educational value system of many people. Strong professional relationships require a lot of trust by both parties. I have worked as a part of the Lee team for two and a half years and have tried to strengthen relationships between myself and our staff. The surveys and group interviews asked challenging questions that invited people to be reflective about their beliefs and practices. This process would not have been successful without trust. This reinforced my belief that there is no successful school culture without great professional relationships among the adults in the building. There is very little course work or reading that can prepare one to be a change agent. The evaluation of homework practices at Lee was conducted with change in mind. Teachers and administrators knew that this process might lead to new homework policies at Lee Middle School. Change is difficult, especially when change means less homework or decreasing the value of homework in an overall grade. Changing homework policies at iii Lee is perceived by many as “making things easier.” Being a change agent means communicating with people and sharing research-based information about the effectiveness of homework. The focus of the evaluation was on student achievement. The final leadership lesson I learned was making sure that the evaluation process had a sharp focus on improving student achievement. Everyone involved needed to know that we were doing surveys and group interviews to gather as much information as possible in order to make an informed decision on homework policies at Lee. The objective and focus of the entire process was to come to an agreement about using homework effectively to improve student learning. The process started in May 2014, and it is still ongoing in the spring of 2015. I need to communicate and remind people that we are doing what is best for students and parents. As a school administrator, I will be evaluating programs for the rest of my career. They will not all result in a formal academic report, but they will involve student-centered decisions. The experience of evaluating the homework program at Lee Middle School has given me opportunities to grow as a leader that I would not have had otherwise. I am thankful personally—but more thankful for the impact it will have on students. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS DOCUMENT ORIGINATION STATEMENT DIGITAL COMMONS @ NLU ….....… i ABSTRACT ……………………………………………………………………….....…. ii PREFACE ………………………………………………………………………...……...iii TABLE OF CONTENTS ………………….…………...………………………….……...v LIST OF TABLES ……………………………………………………..……………….vii SECTION ONE: INTRODUCTION ……………………………………………….…….1 Purpose ……….………………….……………………………………….……...1 Rationale ……………………….…………….……………………….….………2 Goals …………………………….…………….……………………....…………4 Research Questions ……………….…………….…………………………….…5 Demographics ………………………………………………………...…………6 SECTION TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW…………………………………………...…7 Introduction …………………………………..……………………………..…...7 Purpose of Homework ……………………….……………………...……….….8 Effective Homework ………………………….….………………..….…………9 Amount of Homework ………………………….….…………………………..10 Feedback on Homework ……………………….…………….………………...11 Grading …………………....……....………………..……….………………….12 Homework Policies—Late or Missing Work ……….…….……………….…..14 Low-Income Students and Homework …………....……………………….…..15 Summary …………………………….………………………………….……...17 SECTION THREE: METHODOLOGY…………………………..……………………18 Research Design Overview ……………………………………….…………...18 Participants …………………………………………………….………………18 v Data Gathering Techniques ………………………………….………………...20 Data Analysis Techniques ………………………………….………………….21 SECTION FOUR: FINDINGS AND INTERPRETATIONS ……..……………………23 Introduction ……………………….…………………………………………...23 Data Findings ………………………………………………………….………23 Student Survey Data ………………………………………………….……….26 Teacher Survey Data ………….…………………………………………….…31 Themes of Student Group Interviews
Recommended publications
  • Literature Review Homework
    Literature Review Homework Christie Blazer, Supervisor Research Services Office of Assessment, Research, and Data Analysis Miami-Dade County Public Schools 1500 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 225 Miami, Florida 33132 January 2009 33 The School Board of Miami-Dade County, Florida Dr. Solomon C. Stinson, Chair Dr. Marta Pérez, Vice Chair Mr. Agustin J. Barrera Mr. Renier Diaz de la Portilla Dr. Lawrence S. Feldman Ms. Perla Tabares Hantman Dr. Wilbert “Tee” Holloway Dr. Martin Karp Ms. Ana Rivas Logan Alberto M. Carvalho Superintendent of Schools Ms. Gisela Feild, Administrative Director Assessment, Research, and Data Analysis Mr. Dale Romanik, Director Research Services LITERATURE REVIEW HOMEWORK At a Glance Although homework is assigned for a variety of academic and non-academic pur- poses, there is disagreement within the educational community about the value of homework and the amount of homework students should be assigned. This Lit- erature Review summarizes the benefits and drawbacks of homework and exam- ines how much time students should and actually do spend on homework. Issues such as whether school districts should develop a formal homework policy and how to involve parents in their children’s homework assignments are also dis- cussed. Strategies for increasing homework completion rates, including after-school homework centers, homework hotlines, and peer support programs, are provided. Issues teachers should consider when assigning homework, such as matching assignments to students’ skill levels and learning styles, connecting homework to real life events, and providing feedback on homework assignments, are also re- viewed. Research on homework’s impact on student achievement is summarized. Finally, the role of grade level, income level, ethnicity, and gender in homework completion rates and the resulting effects on achievement is also reviewed.
    [Show full text]
  • Helping Your Students with Homework a Guide for Teachers
    Helping Your Students With Homework A Guide for Teachers Helping Your StudentsWith Homework A Guide for Teachers By Nancy Paulu Edited by Linda B. DarbyIllustrated by Margaret Scott Office of Educational Research and Improvement U.S. Department of Education Foreword Homework practices vary widely. Some teachers make brilliant assignments that combine learning and pleasure. Others use homework as a routine to provide students with additional practice on important activities. And, unfortunately, some assign ©busyworkª that harms the educational process, by turning students offÅnot only making them feel that learning is not enjoyable or worthwhile, but that their teachers do not understand or care about them. Homework has long been a mainstay of American education for good reason: it extends time available for learning, and children who spend more time on homework, on average, do better in school. So how can teachers ease homework headaches? The ideas in this booklet are based on solid educational research. The information comes from a broad range of top-notch, experienced teachers. As you read through, you will find some familiar ideas, but may also find tips and assignments that suit your teaching needs and style. Students, teachers, and parents or caregivers all play vital roles in the homework process. I challenge you to contribute all you can to making homework meaningful and beneficial for your students. Peirce Hammond Director Office of Reform Assistance and Dissemination Contents Foreword ........................................................ iii Homework: A Concern for Teachers ...................................... 1 Hurdles to Homework ................................................. 2 Overcoming the Obstacles ............................................... 4 Tips for Getting Homework Done ........................................ 5 1. Lay out expectations early in the school year .....................
    [Show full text]
  • The Effect of Student Employment on Homework, Sleep, and Screen Time
    IZA DP No. 4666 Time to Work or Time to Play: The Effect of Student Employment on Homework, Sleep, and Screen Time Charlene Marie Kalenkoski Sabrina Wulff Pabilonia December 2009 DISCUSSION PAPER SERIES Forschungsinstitut zur Zukunft der Arbeit Institute for the Study of Labor Time to Work or Time to Play: The Effect of Student Employment on Homework, Sleep, and Screen Time Charlene Marie Kalenkoski Ohio University and IZA Sabrina Wulff Pabilonia U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Discussion Paper No. 4666 December 2009 IZA P.O. Box 7240 53072 Bonn Germany Phone: +49-228-3894-0 Fax: +49-228-3894-180 E-mail: [email protected] Any opinions expressed here are those of the author(s) and not those of IZA. Research published in this series may include views on policy, but the institute itself takes no institutional policy positions. The Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA) in Bonn is a local and virtual international research center and a place of communication between science, politics and business. IZA is an independent nonprofit organization supported by Deutsche Post Foundation. The center is associated with the University of Bonn and offers a stimulating research environment through its international network, workshops and conferences, data service, project support, research visits and doctoral program. IZA engages in (i) original and internationally competitive research in all fields of labor economics, (ii) development of policy concepts, and (iii) dissemination of research results and concepts to the interested public. IZA Discussion Papers often represent preliminary work and are circulated to encourage discussion. Citation of such a paper should account for its provisional character.
    [Show full text]
  • The Effects of Homework on Students' Social-Emotional Health
    THE EFFECTS OF HOMEWORK ON STUDENTS’ SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL HEALTH A Thesis Presented to the faculty of Graduate and Professional Studies in Education California State University, Sacramento Submitted in partial satisfaction of the requirements for the degree of SPECIALIST IN EDUCATION in (School Psychology) by McKenzie Courtney Samantha Nix SPRING 2018 © 2018 McKenzie Courtney Samantha Nix ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ii THE EFFECTS OF HOMEWORK ON STUDENTS’ SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL HEALTH A Thesis by McKenzie Courtney Samantha Nix Approved by: __________________________________, Committee Chair Melissa L. Holland, Ph.D. __________________________________, Second Reader Meagan D. O’Malley, Ph.D. Date iii Students: McKenzie Courtney Samantha Nix I certify that these students have met the requirements for format contained in the University format manual, and that this thesis is suitable for shelving in the Library and credit is to be awarded for the thesis. , Graduate Coordinator Geni Cowan, Ph.D. Date Graduate and Professional Studies in Education iv Abstract of THE EFFECTS OF HOMEWORK ON STUDENTS’ SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL HEALTH by McKenzie Courtney Samantha Nix Children’s and adolescents’ social-emotional health is moving to the forefront of attention in schools, as depression, anxiety, and suicide rates are on the rise for youth (Bennett & Kalish, 2006). At the same time, students are experiencing intense academic demands, including an increased focus on grades, standardized test scores, and larger amounts of assigned homework (Kohn, 2006). While the interplay between social- emotional challenges and scholastic demands has been postulated upon in literature, there is little research on the effects of academic stress on the social and emotional health of elementary-aged students (Kohn, 2006).
    [Show full text]
  • Twice-Exceptional Students Gifted Students with Disabilities Level 1
    Twice-Exceptional Students Gifted Students with Disabilities Level 1: An Introductory Resource Book Second Edition Colorado Department of Education 201 East Colfax Avenue Denver, Colorado 80203-1799 Gifted students’ learning and growth ensured by needed provisions and advocacy 2 Colorado Department of Education 201 E. Colfax Avenue Denver, Colorado 80203 Dwight Jones Commissioner of Education State of Colorado Colorado State Board of Education Bob Schaffer Chairman Randy DeHoff Vice-Chairman Elaine Gantz Berman Jane Goff Peggy Littleton Marcia Neal Angelika Schroeder 3 The Colorado Department of Education does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or age, in access to, employment in, or provision of, any of CDE’s programs, benefits, or activities. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding this policy: Please contact either: Patrick Chapman Wendi Kispert Colorado Department of Education Colorado Department of Education 1560 Broadway, Suite 1450 201 East Colfax Avenue Denver, CO 80202 Denver, CO 80203 Phone: 303-866-6780 Phone: 303-866-6815 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Second Edition July, 2009 4 Table of Contents Introduction 8 Mission and Definition 9 Twice-Exceptional Students — Strengths and Challenges 10 Characteristics of Twice-Exceptional Children 11 Identification 15 Categories of Disability Under IDEA 20 A Continuum of Services 30 Seven Steps to Strategic Planning 31 for Twice-Exceptional Students Problem-Solving 32 Twice-Exceptional Strategies Plan 40 Parenting Gifted Students With Disabilities 48 Case Studies 51 Recommendations for Case Studies 63 Glossary of Terms 75 Workbook 79 Annotated Bibliography 101 Web Site Resources and Models Cited 109 Index 113 5 6 Contributors The Colorado Department of Education’s Twice-Exceptional Students Gifted Students with Disabilities, Level 1: An Introductory Resource Book is the result of a cooperative effort between Special and Gifted educators.
    [Show full text]
  • Chapter 11. TESTING, HOMEWORK, and GRADING
    TEACHING ENGINEERING CHAPTER 11 TESTING, HOMEWORK, AND GRADING For many students, grades constitute the number-one academic priority. Tests, or any other means professors use to determine grades, are the number-two priority. Because of this concern about grades, tests and scoring of tests generate a great deal of anxiety which can translate into anxiety for the professor. It is easy to deplore students’ excessive focus on grades; however, this excessive focus is at least in part the fault of the professor. In addition, a student’s focus on grades and tests can be used to help the student learn the material. Testing and homework can help the professor design a course which satisfies the learning principles discussed in Section 1.4. Homework and exams force the student to practice the material actively and provide an opportunity for the professor to give feedback. With graduated difficulty of problems, the professor can arrange the tests so that everyone has a good chance to be successful at least initially. This helps the professor approach the course with a positive attitude toward all the students, which in turn helps them succeed. The desire to achieve good grades can help motivate students to learn the material, particularly if it is clear that the tests follow the course objectives. Anxiety and excessive competition can be reduced by using cooperative study groups. Thought-provoking questions can be used both in homework and in exams to use the students’ natural curiosity as a motivator. Students can be given some choice in what they do in course projects.
    [Show full text]
  • Maximum Homework Impact: Optimizing Time, Purpose, Communication, and Collaboration Frances L
    1 Maximum Homework Impact: Optimizing Time, Purpose, Communication, and Collaboration Frances L. Van Voorhis Van Voorhis, F (2011). Maximum homework impact: Optimizing time, purpose, communications, and collaboration. In Redding, S., Murphy, M., & Sheley, P. (Eds.) Handbook on family and community engagement (pp. 21-28). Lincoln, IL: Academic Development Institution. Retrieved from http://www.schoolcommunitynetwork.org/downloads/FACEHandBook.pdf “Have you done your homework?” Homework is typically associated with students in school, but “doing your homework” describes proper preparation for a task in any setting. Because design and implementation are not always optimal, homework may require more time than planned, lack clear purpose or adequate direction, or stray too far from classroom learning. Teachers play critical roles in homework design, student perception, and encouraging appropriate levels of family involvement. This article provides research-based guidance on promoting healthy school homework habits. By understanding process issues of time, purpose, communication, and collaBoration, teachers can help maximize homework’s overall impact and minimize challenges. How Much Is Enough? In addition to classroom instruction and students’ responses to class lessons, homework represents one important factor that increases achievement (Marzano, 2003). Several meta- analyses suggest a positive relationship Between homework and achievement, with percentile gains from 8% to 31% (Cooper, RoBinson, & Patall, 2006; Marzano & Pickering, 2007).
    [Show full text]
  • How Much Homework Are Children—And Their Parents—Really Doing
    Homework Time 1 DRAFT: Do Not Cite Without Permission Children’s Homework Time—Do Parents’ Investments Make a Difference? Miriam R. Linver Montclair State University Jeanne Brooks-Gunn Jodie L. Roth Teachers College, Columbia University Paper to be presented at the CDS II Early Results Workshop June 2005 Ann Arbor, MI The authors thank the our funders, NICHD Research Network on Child and Family Well Being, and the W.T. Grant Foundation. Corresponding author: Miriam R. Linver Phone: (973) 655-6841 e-mail: [email protected] Homework Time 2 Children’s Homework Time—Do Parents’ Investments Make a Difference? Abstract This article describes the homework time of 2024 children in school grades 1 through 12, using time diary data from a national dataset, the Panel Study of Income Dynamics-Child Development Supplement (PSID-CDS). As part of the PSID-CDS, time diary data were collected for one randomly selected weekday and weekend day. Data were analyzed with an investment model perspective, where parental time, money, and human capital were expected to influence children’s and adolescents’ homework time. About 2/3 of children did any homework. Logistic regression revealed that ethnicity was the primary predictor of whether or not children in elementary school and junior high school did any homework, although some investment model variables, in particular time (number of children in household) was significant for elementary school children, and money (family income) was influential for junior high school students. All three investment constructs predicted whether or not high school students did any homework. Students who did any spent 1-2 hours on homework depending on school grade.
    [Show full text]
  • Helping Your Child with Homework U.S. Department of Education
    Helping Your Child with Homework For parents of children in elementary through middle school Revised 2005 U.S. Department of Education Office of Communications and Outreach 2 U.S. Department of Education Margaret Spellings Secretary First published in September 1995. Revised 2002 and 2005. This booklet is in the public domain. Authorization to reproduce it in whole or in part for educational purposes is granted. While permission to reprint this publication is not necessary, the citation should be: U.S. Department of Education Office of Communications and Outreach Helping Your Child with Homework Washington, D.C., 2005 To order copies of this publication in English or Spanish write to: ED Pubs Education Publications Center U.S. Department of Education P.O. Box 1398 Jessup, MD 20794–1398 or fax your request to: 301–470–1244 or email your request to: [email protected] or call in your request toll-free: 1–877–433–7827 (1–877–4ED-PUBS). If 877 is not yet available in your area, call 1–800–872–5327 (1–800–USA–LEARN). Those who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a teletypewriter (TTY), should call 1– 800–437–0833. or order on-line at: www.ed.gov/pubs/edpubs.html. This publication is also available on the Department’s Web site at: http://www.ed.gov/parents/academic/help/hyc.html On request, this publication is available in alternate formats, such as Braille, large print, audiotape or computer diskette. For more information, please contact the Department’s Alternative Format Center 202–260-9895 or 202–205–0818.
    [Show full text]
  • Homework Tips for Parents
    ow do I Help My hecklist for Helping Child Develop Good Your Child with Study Habits? Homework • Do not do your child’s homework. Doing To show that you think education and homework are assignments for your child will not help him or important, do you: her understand and use information. It may also □ Set a regular time everyday for homework? hinder your child s confidence in his or her □ Provide your child with the papers, books, pencils, and abilities. other items needed to do assignments? • Help your child make a schedule. Writing out □ Provide a well-lit, quiet place to study? assignments will get him or her used to the idea of □ Set a good example by showing your child that the skills Homework keeping track of what is due when. he or she is learning are an important part of the things adult do? • Help your child manage time to complete □ Stay in touch with your child’s teacher? T ps and Study assignments. If your child has a long term project □ Know what your child’s homework assignments are? due, discuss all the steps he or she will need to □ See that your child starts and completes assignments? take to complete it on time, including: Selecting a topic. □ Make sure the TV is turned off while your child com- Skills Doing research by looking up books and other pletes homework? materiasl on the topic or taking notes. □ Help your child get organized? A Resource Guide for Parents Figuring out what questions to discuss. □ Encourage your child to develop good study habits? Drafting an outline.
    [Show full text]
  • Helping Your Child with Homework (PDF)
    2 U.S. Department of Education Margaret Spellings Secretary First published in September 1995. Revised 2002 and 2005. This booklet is in the public domain. Authorization to reproduce it in whole or in part for educational purposes is granted. While permission to reprint this publication is not necessary, the citation should be: U.S. Department of Education Office of Communications and Outreach Helping Your Child with Homework Washington, D.C., 2005 To order copies of this publication in English or Spanish write to: ED Pubs Education Publications Center U.S. Department of Education P.O. Box 1398 Jessup, MD 20794–1398 or fax your request to: 301–470–1244 or email your request to: [email protected] or call in your request toll-free: 1–877–433–7827 (1–877–4ED-PUBS). If 877 is not yet available in your area, call 1–800–872–5327 (1–800–USA–LEARN). Those who use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a teletypewriter (TTY), should call 1– 800–437–0833. or order on-line at: www.ed.gov/pubs/edpubs.html. This publication is also available on the Department’s Web site at: http://www.ed.gov/parents/academic/help/hyc.html On request, this publication is available in alternate formats, such as Braille, large print, audiotape or computer diskette. For more information, please contact the Department’s Alternative Format Center 202–260-9895 or 202–205–0818. Books, magazines and programs are mentioned in this booklet as examples and are only a few of many appropriate resources. Listing of materials and resources in this book should not be construed or interpreted as an endorsement by the Department of any private organization or business listed herein.
    [Show full text]
  • Homework: an Overload on Chinese School Children Jianjun Zhang
    International Journal of English Literature and Social Sciences (IJELS) Vol-4, Issue-3, May - Jun, 2019 https://dx.doi.org/10.22161/ijels.4.3.37 ISSN: 2456-7620 Homework: An Overload on Chinese School Children Jianjun Zhang Shandong University of Technology, China Abstract—For a long time, the heavy burden of homework many aspects, among which examination-oriented of primary and middle school students in China has been education is the main one, that is, all the school teaching perplexing people in all walks of life especially the parents work revolves around the high school entrance examination of children. This paper aims to analyze the influence of and the university entrance examination, overemphasizes heavy homework burden on children's physical and mental the students’ examination results and neglects to implement health, academic development and relationship between the true quality education to students. However, teachers school and home, and the causes of these effects. It is hoped who are in the first line of teaching lacking full that this paper can arouse the attention of primary and understanding of the role of homework, paying too much secondary school teachers who can take corresponding attention to students' test results and their own interests are measures to reduce the burden of primary and secondary also an important factor that cannot be ignored. homework. Keywords— Primary and secondary school, II. THE INFLUENCE OF OVERLOAD OF Schoolchildren, Homework, Physical and mental health. HOMEWORK ON SCHOOLCHILDREN 2.1 Seriously impair the health of Schoolchildren I. INTRODUCTION Primary and middle school students are in the critical Homework, as an important part of students' schoolwork, period of physical development, so appropriate sleep for has been a heavy burden on Chinese schoolchildren.
    [Show full text]