Case Study - Not Completing Homework

Introduction

The case study approach of this module has been designed to create an awareness of the general classroom behavioral problems that may be encountered on a day to day basis. The examples here are generalised and may be applied to situations other than the ones given here.

Description of the problem

In Mr. Smith's class, homework is assigned three to four times a week. Students have been instructed to place completed work in a 'homework' box. Mr Smith corrects the work after school and returns the graded papers next morning. Usually, five to ten students do not have their work in on time. After he has returned corrected homework to the class, Mr Smith talks with the students who did not hand in their work. He reminds them that papers that are missing or turned in late will affect their grades. Quite often, Mr Smith hears excuses similar to he following:

• 'I forgot to bring it in, but it's done'
• 'I had to baby-sit my little brother.'
• ' I had sports training last night.'
• 'I got it done, but my little sister threw it away.'

Causes

Generally, students don't complete their homework because there's no penalty for not completing it. Most teachers will record the incomplete work and average that in with the student's grade at the end of the term. For ECE/Primary students, the threat of a lowered grade at the end of the term is too far removed in time to have any impact on many students. Another reason students do not complete homework is that their efforts may seem to go unrecognized by the teacher. Frequently, the teacher corrects the work and records the grades without saying anything to the students. Unless student efforts are acknowledged, some students may not be motivated to complete homework.

Note:
Many teachers feel that the lack of parental support and cooperation is the major reason that students do not complete homework. Certainly, parental backing makes it much easier for teachers to resolve the homework problem; however, if a child's parents are not willing to make sure that their child's homework is completed, other measures can be taken. Don't assume that nothing else can be done. Follow the plan outline below to help motivate students to turn in their homework.

Goal

All students will hand in their homework at the appropriate time.

The Plan:

Step 1:
Determine how much homework is reasonable to assign and make sure that all required work is well within each student's ability level. Below are some rough guidelines for the amount of time that students might reasonably be expected to spend on homework (primary school):

• First and second Grade_____15 minutes each day.
• Third and fourth Grade_____20 to 30 minutes per day.
• Fifth and sixth grade______20 to 45 minutes per day.

Step 2:
Whenever homework has been assigned, give credit to those who have completed their work by quickly going through the papers and praising students by name. This procedure should be done routinely at the opening of the day or lesson, and should require only two or three minutes of your time. This will let students know that you recognize and appreciate their efforts and hard work.

Step 3:
Once each week, provide a special privilege for students who have completed their homework on time. The privilege should be extended to anyone who has gotten their homework in on time that morning or lesson. The special privilege should be offered on a different day each week so that students are never sure which completed assignment will lead to a privilege. Special privileges might include:

• Spending five extra minutes at recess.
• Getting to play a group game for ten minutes.
• Getting five minutes of free time.
• Getting to plan a class activity or party.

Students who do not homework in that day should not be allowed to participate in the special activity.

Step 4:
Establish a penalty for not completing homework. The most logical penalty is to make students complete their work before they can take part in any fun activities or free time, such as recess, class activity, and so on.

Step 5:
Write a letter to parents explaining your plan. The letter below may serve as a guide:

Dear Parents.

On most evenings, your child will have twenty to thirty minutes of homework. Homework assignments will help teach your child to work independently and to take responsibility for completing work. Your cooperation will help teach your child these skills. Each evening, ask your child if he or she has homework to do. If so, require your child to complete the work before taking part in fun activities like watching TV or playing a game.

Each morning, I will check to see who has completed and returned homework. I will give recognition and praise to those who have acted responsibly and completed their work. Once a week, students who have returned their homework will get a special privilege. If the work was not completed or left at home, the child will have to complete the work before being allowed to go to recess or take apart in any fun activity.

If it ever appears that the homework is too difficult for your child to complete independently, please let me know. I'll try to make all homework assignments within the range of your child's ability so that it is possible for your child to complete it independently. Thank you for your cooperation and support. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call me or schedule a meeting.

Sincerely.

Miss Smith