The Problem
In the University of Michigan study involving 8,000 U.S. families, 50% of the students said they did no homework. The percentage of 9, 13 and 17 year old students who reported doing more than an hour a weeknight on homework declined between 1984 and 2004.
Homework can be an important tool to help children review and practice the skills taught in school and can improve their learning. In addition, homework can help enhance children's personal growth by teaching them responsibility, independent work habits, organization, and time management. However, when problems arise, homework can be quite disruptive to family life by creating parent-child conflict and interfering with other important family priorities, such as recreation and social activities.
One of the more common homework problems reported by parents is poor motivation, particularly in families with children with learning or attention deficit disorders. Children who are described as motivated to do homework do it by themselves, begin and complete it on time, actively participate in checking it, respond well when told to correct it, pay attention during it, and stick with it even when it gets difficult. When children display problems with any of these areas of homework, they are frequently described as being unmotivated.
The Solution
Stress the importance. Educate students on the importance of doing your homework by displaying the posters from our "Do Your Homework" poster series.
Make it fun. There are several reasons why children do not want to do their homework. They might find it too easy, too boring, or too difficult. They may also view it as punishment.
Make it clear. Children need to understand that homework is assigned for many reasons. It may be practice for what they have learned in class, preparation for future lessons, or a way to show their skills of research and presentation.
Creating Incentives. Gives awards for students that do the best job on their homework, ranging from passes to the head of the lunch line to iPods.
(University of Michigan Study)