SCHOOL HOMEWORK

Wairarapa Daily Times, 4 February 1932, Page 2

SCHOOL HOMEWORK

KEEPS FATHER UP-TO-DATE. School resumed this week, and once again arises that perpetually vexed question of homework. No one seems to agree on the subject of homework. Teachers differ, parents argue the matter from different sides, but rarely does it happen that the children —the most affected after all—arc asked for their opinion.

Now that this has been done, through the medium of competition for children, conducted by the London “Daily Telegraph,” it seems that the children themselves are by no means agreed, says an exchange. Examining the comments which wore all made by children up to the age of fifteen, we find that one declares that “homework

is necessary as a test; it shows whether you have been listening to the lessons at school.” The contrary opinion is expressed by the boy who considers that “homework should be kept- as punishment for slackers, in school.” Another finds that it “leaves no time to look after our pets or hobbies.” There are those who believe in homework in moderation, as one says, “We have three lessons every night; two would be enough.”

Another finds homework “nice at week-ends and on Saturday mornings, but does not like so much homework after a long day at school.” There are those who are prepared to admit that homework is useful, “ns it keeps father’s Latin and French up-to-date.” Some complain that there are- difficulties in the way of home study. “Father will insist on having the wireless on when lie comes in,” is one complaint. “It is impossible to concentrate while people are holding conversations in the room,” writes another. The fifteen-year-old writer of the prizp essay thinks that homework is necessary for children over eleven, for without it progress would be slower, and “unless the present standard of knowledge expected by employers and by examiners were lowered, wo should have to spend longer at school before we could obtain posts or pass examinations.” A seven-year-old -thinks that lit tie children should not puzzle- their brains over homework, but that “big ones should do a nice lot and get it right. ’ ’