The Case for and Against Homework
Homework is typically defined as" any tasks given to students by school teachers that are meant to be carried out during afterschool hours". Homework has been a hot topic of debate in education. Throughout the first decade of the 20th century, educators commonly believed that homework helped create disciplined(遵守纪律的)minds. 【小题1】Since then, arguments for and against homework have continued to grow.
A number of studies have been carried out on homework. Two analyses by Cooper and his colleagues are the most comprehensive(全面的).They concluded that the relationship between homework and students' achievements was found to be positive. 【小题2】
【小题3】The authors of How Homework Is Hurting Our Children and What We Can Do About It criticized both the quantity and quality of homework. They provided evidence that too much homework harms students’ health and family time. They insisted that teachers reduce the amount of homework and avoid homework over breaks and holidays.
One of the most controversial(有争议的)problems in the homework debate is the amount of time students should spend on homework. Researchers have offered various suggestions.【小题4】 Another question regarding homework is the degree to which schools should involve parents. Some studies have reported minimal positive effects or even negative effects of parental involvement.【小题5】
Finally, homework should cause students and their parents or other family members to take part in conversations and thus help the students' learning.
A.Improper homework may produce little or no benefit. |
B.Teachers are to blame for providing too much homework. |
C.Doing homework caused improved learning achievements. |
D.Experts suggest parents receive clear rules and that teachers not expect parents to act as experts. |
E.Although the research supporting homework is powerful, the case against homework is popular. |
F.By 1940, the growing concern that homework affected other home activities caused a reaction against it. |
G.For example, 5 to 10 minutes per subject might be enough for 4th graders, while 30 to 60 minutes for high school students. |