HW#13: HOME WORK

If we define homework, it is said to be tasks that are assigned to reinforce the student's knowledge outside the school hours; frequently done at home.This mean that it includes take home seat works, exercises, practices, research, answering and such. With just mentioning that, it is already too tiring, what more if it is the real thing which you are already doing. But you are fortunate enough if your "homework"is the only thing you need to do after school. What if there are other things like house chores, church activities, part time job or sports training? Wouldn't that be a suicide?

Given all the things you should be doing after school plus the never-ending homework, is it even possible to accomplish all in a day. Given that the day only has 24 hours and 8 hours already spent inside the classroom. How many hours are left? 16 hours? Is it enough? -- Mission impossible!

These factors affect the approach of students towards homework. Which is a possible reason why the 'homework' today is turning to be ineffective. Homework plus "Home Work" is way too much for students to handle. Some teachers tend to assign many homework disregarding the other things that a student will also be doing.

Conducting interviews and surveys confirmed this theory. That some, means not all cases, teachers give out too much homework that students can't manage to finish it because of other things that they shall be doing -- this  includes church activities, extra-curricular activities, and leisure/family time.

HW#12: Not a Big Deal

In every school year, the first day has always been the introduction day. A very boring day, for some, to keep on introducing yourself to your classmates who already knew you; and your teachers who does not really care in any single word you've blabbering in front of the class.

How ironic life is, right? Well, other than the non-stop introduction speeches you gave is the presentation of study plan; what we don't usually paying attention to is to how the percentage of our grades are computed. Which is a big factor that will impact our academic life the whole school year. And now that I finally took attention with these percentages, I've noticed that the part most us students exert effort most is where the percent have been allocated small. I'm talking about homework. As time, effort, and resource consuming as it is; the smaller it is in the percentage of the final grade. Why is that so?

Majority can say that one of the things that students spent time and effort is in doing homework but have you ever notice it's very small part on your grades? It can be as small as 2% which is I think is a very small portion as an exchange to all the efforts we've exerted in accomplishing it. Isn't that unjustifiable?  If the homework's purpose is also to help students achieve much higher grades because it's easier than test, exams and seat work given; therefore, it's the students last haven. So they exert so much effort in doing homework. But if the percentage is that small, maybe it's one of the reason why the effectiveness of homework is not present nowadays.

As a student, if you think you're efforts aren't gonna have any gain to you then might as well just turn it down. If your a student and there are lots of homework assigned to you considering it's only a small part of your grades, why would you try to burden your self if you won't lose or gain much? One reason why student's don't do homework -- law of reciprocity not much evident.

Conducted my research, I've surveyed some of my block mates and I did saw the answer to why they don't like homework. The respondent said it's just a small part of the grade so they didn't like homework. As a block mate of theirs, I know what kind of homework was being assigned to us. College students don't get homework like high school students does. What we have are those very complicated ones. Not that it is just hard but also the quantity is twice as much than when we it was in high school.

So if I were to ask you, would you still do something you won't be gaining much? If you'll just lose a little just to avoid making too much effort, won't you take that chance?

HW#10: Survey Report

After gathering data as basis of the survey, the researcher picked out the right questions that can suffice the important factors that can verify whatever studies done abroad and know whether it is also applicable to Filipino students. The survey's respondents were all accounting students of the same block. The researcher made it sure that the answering of the surveys were simultaneous as to make sure that if there's clarifications regarding the questions it can be easily addressed; also, to monitor all the respondents and to make sure the preciseness of the result. The researcher also did some interviews also with some of the students in the block and also other students from other school. The difference with the questions in interview and in the questionnaire is that the in the interview the questions were more specific like the issue of homework concerning bullying, achievement tests related question, cheating, and effects on the attitude of students.

In the first question, 94% of the respondents said that they don't like homework because of the following reasons: the homework is the same thing with the things lectured in class that it already seemed redundant, they were already tired and all they want to do at home is to rest and other outside school activities, they were too lazy to do it, the homework assigned was too much in number, and the task is too stressful.

On the second question, the respondents didn't have any pattern on the way they have answered the item. The rates were all random except for the research assignment in which majority rated the most difficult of all and for the group assignment rated as the least most difficult in general.

The third question resulted 87.5% of the respondents said to spent more than thirty minutes and from those 14.29% spent more than five hours. Only 12.5% of the respondents answered that they spent less than half an hour in doing their homework.

In the fourth question, only two respondents said that homework isn't helpful with their studies. The rest of the respondents answered that homework does help them in their lessons. The reasons that have been cited are: because it does reinforce the information they have learned from the lectures in school, because it makes them advance in the lesson, because it assess them and also the teacher on what they have learned, because it recalls them on the past lessons, and because it initiates them to further search about the subject.

On the fifth question, majority of the respondents did have experienced not finishing or not doing it at all. They said it is because the homework was difficult, they did not understand the question, they do not know the answer, they have other task to do, they were too tired and sleepy to do it, and some said they were too lazy to do it and that their time wasn't managed well.

The last question was the part were the respondents were to give suggestions as a substitute to homework if they are not in favor with it. Since most respondents didn't like homework, many had answered this question.  but they all had almost similar answers. Some answers were to limit the days when homework should be assigned (like M-W-F) or let homework be not required. But the answer of most was to replace homework by more seatwork or activities, hands-on done at class so that it doesn't needed to be brought to school and also for the teachers to supervise the students to prevent cheating and tardiness.

In conclusion, with the result of the survey, the answers that the researcher have been expecting did came out. Most students didn't like homework and the reasons that they have stated are just like the findings from what the results are in foreign research. Although there is a little part where the findings had difference from the studies abroad is that Filipino students does find homework to be useful in their studies. That although they do not like homework it does help them in a way that they were reinforced with information, by the means of homework, after the class discussion. But all in all, the results of the survey almost did matched the expected results by the researcher.

HW#9: Types of Homework

Which would you prefer; a hundred pages of story to read, a ten chapter review to answer, a research and experimentation making, a project model of a structure, or a whole unit to be presented? Isn't it all a suicide task? If any of those were assigned to you with a very short period of deadline, I know some will just give up. Specially, if the kind of task assigned to you is the type that you've hated the most. So for example you hate to read and you were assigned to read a whole book as a requirement, most probably, you wouldn't finish the ask or just totally bail on it.

Numbers of homework had been assigned on students since the very first time they've entered school. There is these "read a story" or "draw something". Of course the "defining the terms" assignment is a usual kind also. But as we all know, each student has a preferred type of homework. And also, preference on what kind of assignment to be assigned is a crucial factor in the effectiveness of homework.

There are three main types of homework according to New South Wales Department of Education and Training: practice exercises, preparatory homework, and extension assignments. As what is said on the document created by the institution mentioned above, the three types of homework were defined as the following :

• Practice exercises let students apply new knowledge or review, revise and reinforce newly acquired skills. Examples of such exercises are memorization of mathematical tables, practicing spelling words, essay writing and reading for pleasure.

• Preparatory homework where students gain background information on a unit of study to better prepare them for future lessons, for example, reading and collecting geometric shapes.

• Extension assignments encourage students to pursue knowledge individually and imaginatively. Assignments might include writing a book review, researching local news or retrieving items from the Internet. 

If all the different homework were to be classified in these three main types it would all fall on a particular type. Like all the math/science/English activities and exercises will fall on the the "practice exercises" type of homework. While those advance reading assignments, defining of terms for the future discussion falls on the "Preparatory homework" type. Lastly, all those tasks that needed further researching, additional activities for other information belongs on the "Extension assignment" type.

All different types of homework, if analyzed, have different goals and agendas to be met after each tasks were to be finished. A type aims to practice the student on what they have learned from the lesson and for them to be polished in all the parts of the lesson The other type goals to make students prepared for the incoming lectures; a brief overview on what will the lesson be about. While the other type's purpose is to add up more info that has not been included in the discussion proper. 

As what has been aforementioned, type of homework is a crucial factor in the effectiveness of homework. All types have different approach on the lessons and also with the students. Each types also serves different purposes to be achieved after each assigned homework. These little details should be given much attention when deciding what homework should be assigned to make sure that all efforts will be worth the prize. 

Effectiveness is a must!

HW#8: Intended Purposes of Homework

Homework is a usual task to all students. It's like a common thing when you're at school. After the class bell rung, it is certain that there would be take home activities or list of task to be done at home; as a school extension of things not done in school. Dictionary meaning of homework is, as defined by Merriam Webster Dictionary, an assignment given to a student to be completed outside the regular class period. In simple words, a task done not in school but usually at home -- maybe that is why it is called as homework.

I've been doing lots of homework ever since I started going to school. Then approximately, maybe I've done at least thousands of homework but the thing is, I never thought of knowing what are the purposes of homework really are. 

I have done research and I found this discussion paper entitled "HOMEWORK: What are the upsides and downsides?" and realized the purpose of why homework was designed. I found some obvious aims of homework and also those unexpected purposes that had never crossed my mind. The researcher compiled the idea of another researcher named Epstein that came up with The Ten Ps of homework. Each purpose was elaborated according to my understanding.

• Practice – With homework, all the things that had been discussed in the classroom can be put into practice. By doing exercises based on the day's lesson, students can apply what they have learned from the lecture.

• Preparation – Homework makes students be ready on the next lessons to be tackled. If there are things not yet that clear, assignments can clarify these questions and make them able to move on to another topic the next meeting.

• Participation – Although not all students are that active in participating in class, homework can force them to do so. Despite of some students being passive about it they will be required to participate in the discussion with the help of homework.

• Personal Development – With a task like homework being assigned on students it can create a sense of responsibilities among the students. They can acquire some competent study skills, giving attention in following direction and being conscious about the limited time given to finish the job. Also, with the grades given to each homework, the can boost their confidence by excelling some activities and having achievements through homework. Various activities assigned can open opportunities to students to explore and improve talents and skills.

• Peer Interactions – Group tasks or homework can able students to collaborate wit each other and compare and share new ideas for the benefit of all. Working with a team also creates a good "teamwork" skill in all students. 

• Parent-Child Relations – Homework can serve as a window for the parents and the students to have a good communication with each other and exchange ideas for the learning purposes.They can share ideas about expectations, school and how to apply the things they learn in real life. Also, this can be a means for the parents to give positive remarks for their children.

• Parent-Teacher Communications  –  Homework does also bridges teachers and parents. With homework, teachers can fill in parents on the learning progress of their children and how and what are they learning so far.

• Public Relations – A motivation is sometimes what homework is being assigned to. As to state that the school has a high standard to the families of the communities and one of its requirements is to accomplish these tasks or activities.

• Policy  –  Some are already a part of policy and that schools are required to accomplish a certain task or activity as ordered by an educational institution. 

• Punishment – Homework can also be served as punishment to students who lacks focus and attention in studying or when in class. Common example is writing some lines or essays on how to behave properly in class. But this purpose is not that accepted or rather in appropriate because as said in the discussion paper: "It serves merely as an exercise of teachers’ power to use up students time, with a negative focus on behavior rather than learning."

Given all the said intended purpose of homework, gave much clearer view of what homework and what it is for. As for my all the research I've currently done, homework seems to fail in meeting its aim and purpose. For according to some of my data, homework can result to the opposite of what is the intended outcomes should be.

Why are the adverse results occurring in spite of the positive intentions of how the homework is actually designed? The question that remained unanswered for the years of research done about the matter. The only thing sure is that there are lots and lots of factors and they kept on stacking and increasing as long as there are changes in our educational system -- as long as change is present the hunt for the answer in the question will always be left unclear. The thing we can only do is to catch up on these changes as close as we can possibly be.

HW#3: Survey Questions

EFFECT OF HOMEWORK ON FILIPINO STUDENTS

Name (Optional): ______________________________________    Age: _____________

School: ______________________________________________  Section: __________

This survey is not required for your class. If you choose not to complete this survey, your grade in the class will not be affected in any way. Follow the given directions on each question as indicated inside the parenthesis after each question. Answer the questions as honest as possible. 

1. Do you like having homework? (Put a check mark on your answer) ___YES.   ___NO. 

•  Why or Why not?                                                 ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. From 1-10 (10 as the most difficult), rate the following types of homework according to its difficulty.

              __ Reading Assignments (e.g. Essays, short stories, book report..)

              __ Written Activities/ Exercises (e.g. Math problems, science activities..)

              __ Research (e.g. definition of terms)

              __ Group Assignments

              __ Individual Assignments

3. How much time do you spend on doing all your homework? (Put a check on your answer.)

                __ 0 minutes/hours (I don't do my homework at all)

                __ 10 minutes - 30 minutes

                __ 40 minutes - 60 minutes

                __ 1 hour - 4 hours

                __ more than 5 hours

4. Is homework helping you on your lessons? (Put a check mark on your answer.)

     ___ YES. ___ NO.

•  Why or Why not?                                             ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. Have you ever experienced not finishing or not doing your homework? 

     ___ YES. ___NO. (If yes, state the reasons why)

•  Why? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. What suggestions can you give on how to improve the "homework system" or (if you're not in favor with homework) substitute to homework that you can recommend?

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

HW#1: Background of the Survey

I. Overview of Research Paper

Within the seven weeks given for us to search about our topic, I've collected adequate number of information that I myself had never know about my topic. My topic, homework, is a very common issue that is discussed  by students. But since there are lots of obvious facts on homework. This research paper will focus on the reasons why the negative effects observed on students were very evident.

So far, I've finished the first part of my research paper. The first chapter where the introduction of my research is shown. With regard to the articles and data I've gathered, I've already searched about the misconceptions about homework, what are the different adverse effect of homework besides insufficient presence of academical benefits (e.g. Family conflicts, stress, disinterest in learning..), purpose of homework, some substitutes on homework, and some explanations why homework doesn't meet it's said purposes.

 The next part of my research process is the distribution of survey questionnaires to my chosen respondents. And to find more information to support my studies. Also, continue to search about the data I've already gathered because there are still unclear and unanswered parts in my study.

II. Survey Questions.

My Survey will be composed of six questions consisting of different types of question. There would be a yes or no question, essay type and rating items. The first question will be asking if whether the student likes having homework this particular question is important for it will tell if Filipino students like homework or not. In this question, the respondents will state their reasons on why they have that perspective towards homework. This is a huge part on my research 'cause it will be the basis of the effects and the different assumptions of Filipino students on homework. 

Next, is the rating of the different homework on how difficult it is.Finding out which type of homework students find difficult will show how students struggles on doing the most common types assigned by teachers. Also, this question will show what type of homework they most preferred to have. Knowing these factors will help me to know how "type of homework" affects Filipino students. 

The third question will ask the respondents on how much time they spent doing their homework. It is important to know how much time an average student spends in doing homework for it will be foundation on why the said effects of homework were evident on students (according to research too much time were being allocated in doing homework results to much adverse effect on students). It can somehow show why students tends to see homework as a stressing task and other negative connotations on the matter. This question can also strengthen my findings if the result  of this survey question will have the save outcome as on the foreign conducted studies I've found. 

The fourth question will be asking if whether homework does help them when it come to studying. To know the point of view of Filipino students towards homework, if it is either beneficial or not. Foreign research shows that according to students it's not beneficial a all. But these findings are not automatically applicable in a local basis, so this question will verify if the same results will also be observed.

The next question will be asking for the respondents experience if they had ever skip doing homework or having an incomplete work.This question will answer another question "Why students tends to have negative attitude towards homework?" which is a very important part of my research. This survey question will also show other factors why homework is not effective.

The last question will be asking for the respondent's idea on what can substitute homework if the find it ineffective. This question is a very essential part of my study for this will show what (Filipino) students wants for their own beneficial. If what improvements can they suggest as what they can observed to what homework gives them. In this part, they can also recommend other alternatives on homework that will be more effective than the usual homework.

III. Prediction

With my six question about homework and it's effect I'm expecting a general answer from the respondents. For what I have been observing also based on all my research, the homework's good points was being outnumbered by the negative things that it gives to a student. I am expecting the answers like it is too much, it is not necessary for it is already learned at school. In short, I'm expecting the same answers from the what are from the studies abroad in spite of the different settings, cultural differences, and other factors.