杏吧原创

Whilst homework can be a contentious topic that provokes a range of opinions and reactions, at St Andrews International School Bangkok, part of the Nord Anglia Education network, we recognise the role that consistent and high-quality homework can play in enhancing learning, building independence, and developing the habits needed to become lifelong learners. In this article, we will set out how our teachers use homework to support students and their families, appropriate to the stage in their learning journey.

Understanding the Value of Homework

Recent research conducted by the Education Endowment Foundation, a U.K. charity funded by the Department of Education and the Sutton Trust, found that consistent and high-quality homework can add between two and five months of additional academic progress in each subject area per year for students. Therefore, consistent homework completion is linked to improved academic performance in core subjects like English, Math, and Science, but also offers habit-building benefits that can be felt across the curriculum. Principal Paul Schofield of St Andrews International School Bangkok points out, "Grasping the importance of homework enhances student motivation and productivity, setting the stage for their future achievements."

Advantages of Homework

杏吧原创work is vital at St Andrews, as it is in all Nord Anglia Education institutions because it can enhance learning, improve outcomes, encourage independence and build successful habits. Here are some main advantages:

鈼� Academic performance and outcomes

Students at St Andrews are offered a mixed, balanced diet of homework activities both within and across the subject areas of the curriculum. Each of these activities has a role to play in improving learning and outcomes. Our teachers set activities such as revision and retrieval of the core knowledge in the curriculum (such as times tables and spellings in the Primary phase), further independent practice of the skills required for success in the subject (such as our younger children reading at home), and structured, guided projects that allow students to develop deep and rich connections between facts, ideas, and topics. This range of tasks ensures that students can learn in ways that build upon their individual starting points, offer students choice and autonomy in their learning, and build knowledge for breadth and depth.

鈼� Building the habits for independence and life-long learning

杏吧原创work teaches more than subject matter; it helps students organise their tasks and improves their time management abilities. As well as setting appropriate homework tasks, our teachers use the opportunities provided by homework to instruct students in the best study habits to ensure success. For instance, teachers give students tools like The Pomodoro Technique, so that they can learn to develop effective time-management skills, which further helps them to learn to meet important deadlines. Our teachers also pay keen attention to the latest educational research on what works best in homework and revision, so take time in lessons, as well as Academic Development, to guide students to use approaches like flash-cards (rather than re-reading or highlighting). These skills that homework encourages are fundamental to academic success but also teach students invaluable skills for the future. Regular homework fosters a routine that benefits students during exams and tests, enhancing their study habits and, consequently, their academic performance.

Furthermore, it's essential for students to know how to use all of the resources available to them to further their learning independently - students need to be able to use physical resources like libraries, online resources for research like JStor, and the plethora of technological tools made available to them by their teachers in the Primary years. Therefore, the homework that our teachers set encourages active engagement in seeking necessary information, such as structured research projects across the curriculum. Students progress at varying rates. Homework provides additional time to explore topics in-depth, offering a richer understanding than classroom time can alone.

鈼� Homework balance

At St Andrews, we prioritize balancing homework with extracurricular activities, especially in primary years. We believe time outside the classroom fosters passions and well-rounded skills. We keep homework manageable, as excessive amounts at the primary age don't necessarily improve later results and can create negative learning mindsets. We aim for primary students to be excited about learning and eager to engage in meaningful projects, not pressured by homework. It's also important for students to unwind with family and friends.

鈼� Optional Holiday Homework for Additional Engagement

Our teachers often create optional tasks to be completed during holidays that students can choose to complete. These tasks provide extra learning experiences for those who want to explore subjects further, while still respecting the importance of balance in their lives.

Supporting Your Child with Homework

鈼� Designate a Study Area

Ensure that children have access to a specific, well-equipped area for homework that is free of distractions.

鈼� Establish a Study Routine

Encourage students to use homework timetables and techniques like Pomodoro to promote a schedule that aligns with your child's peak productivity times, be it morning or afternoon.

鈼� Ensure Independence

In the Primary years, parents can actively support their children while completing homework by, for example, reading with them or discussing their reading together. However, as they move up the school, the support should take the form of creating the conditions for students to complete homework independently. The recent research from the EEF also demonstrated that students who complete homework activities independently reap greater benefits than students whose parents assist them in homework completion. It’s crucial for children to complete their homework independently to reap its full benefits. Parents can and should, however, assist them in understanding their assignments to promote self-reliance.

鈼� Acknowledge Efforts

Praising your child’s dedication to their homework is vital for sustaining their enthusiasm.

鈼� Strategise

On days with more homework, help your child break down their tasks into smaller, manageable parts to reduce stress and make assignments more accessible. At Nord Anglia Education, we strive to engage parents, teachers, and students in a collaborative endeavour to enhance learning through homework. By recognising its value and applying supportive home strategies, you can markedly boost your child’s motivation and productivity.

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