Homework Policy
Homework is an important component of the learning process and always been an area of concern of the educators and parents. Homework is the out-of class tasks that a student is assigned as an extension of classroom work.
Practice exercises– providing students with the opportunities to review, revise and reinforce newly acquired skills, including:
consolidation exercise e.g. math tables, concept maps
mastery exercises e.g. writing
revision exercises e.g. revisiting concepts and skills taught in class
Preparatory homework– providing opportunities for students to gain background information so that they are better prepared for future lessons, including:
background reading e.g. reading on the topic to be covered, researching on a topic
preparatory reading e.g. English text for class discussion / debate
Extension assignments – encouraging students to pursue knowledge individually, including:
creation task e.g. an art work
investigation tasks e.g. science
research tasks e.g. using a computer to find material on the Internet
reflection task e.g. reflection and discussion on blogs and forums
Purpose of Homework
Allows for practising, extending and consolidating work done in class
Provide feedback on students’ learning
Provides students opportunities for self-management
Establishes habits of study and self-discipline
Provides parents with insights into what is being taught in the classroom and the progress of their children
Setting Meaningful Homework
It is the quality rather than the quantity of homework that matters. An appropriate amount of meaningful homework should be assigned to motivate students to learn. In addition, students should be given sufficient time so that they are willing to complete their homework. In setting meaningful homework, the following should be taken into account:
Well-defined goals
Strengthening reading
Diversification
Thinking and collaboration skills
Relevance to daily life
Using learning resources
Flexibility and tailor-made materials
Meaningful and appropriate amount of recitation
Adjustment in learning progress
Students are expected to
be aware of the importance of homework
record the homework assigned in their Student Homework Diary
complete homework within the given time frame
seek assistance from teachers and parents when difficulties arise
organize their time to ensure that sufficient time is given to quality homework within set deadlines
Parents can assist by
ensuring that there is time set aside for homework
encouraging and supporting students to complete homework
checking their children’s Student Homework Diary for homework that has been assigned to their children
monitoring homework by signing completed work
communicating with teachers any concerns about the nature of homework and their children’s approach to the homework
Practice exercises– providing students with the opportunities to review, revise and reinforce newly acquired skills, including:
consolidation exercise e.g. math tables, concept maps
mastery exercises e.g. writing
revision exercises e.g. revisiting concepts and skills taught in class
Extension assignments – encouraging students to pursue knowledge individually, including:
creation task e.g. an art work
investigation tasks e.g. science
research tasks e.g. using a computer to find material on the Internet
reflection task e.g. reflection and discussion on blogs and forums
Setting Meaningful Homework
It is the quality rather than the quantity of homework that matters. An appropriate amount of meaningful homework should be assigned to motivate students to learn. In addition, students should be given sufficient time so that they are willing to complete their homework. In setting meaningful homework, the following should be taken into account:
Well-defined goals
Strengthening reading
Diversification
Thinking and collaboration skills
Relevance to daily life
Using learning resources
Flexibility and tailor-made materials
Meaningful and appropriate amount of recitation
Adjustment in learning progress
Parents can assist by
ensuring that there is time set aside for homework
encouraging and supporting students to complete homework
checking their children’s Student Homework Diary for homework that has been assigned to their children
monitoring homework by signing completed work
communicating with teachers any concerns about the nature of homework and their children’s approach to the homework
Preparatory homework– providing opportunities for students to gain background information so that they are better prepared for future lessons, including:
background reading e.g. reading on the topic to be covered, researching on a topic
preparatory reading e.g. English text for class discussion / debate
Purpose of Homework
Allows for practising, extending and consolidating work done in class
Provide feedback on students’ learning
Provides students opportunities for self-management
Establishes habits of study and self-discipline
Provides parents with insights into what is being taught in the classroom and the progress of their children
Students are expected to
be aware of the importance of homework
record the homework assigned in their Student Homework Diary
complete homework within the given time frame
seek assistance from teachers and parents when difficulties arise
organize their time to ensure that sufficient time is given to quality homework within set deadlines