Homework hoopla

Grandparents, millennials and those presently enrolled know that homework is an integral part of a student’s life. An assignment is a continuing learning process, a learning initiative, an affirmation of what the child has learned from discussions in the classroom; an augmentation of what was learned through research and an application of things learned.

Some regard homework as a form of discipline, a good habit to develop especially during the formative years. Others see the importance of it in the family bonding as the parents or guardians assist their children in accomplishing the assignment. For the less fortunate, illiterate parents consider the experience as a bonus since they also learn from it.

There are two proposed bills involving homework. Rep. Evelina Escudero’s version that totally bans it, while Rep. Alfred Vargas wants a modified version where homework will only be applied to Grades V to Senior High—and no homework on weekends.

Arguments presented by the proponent underline the value of quality time with the family. Escudero also pointed out that with the “no homework policy,” students will not be burdened from bringing home volumes of books that are rather too heavy for the child.

Department of Education Secretary Leonor Briones readily said she is in favor of the proposed bill.

Those who do not favor the proposed legislative measure argue that the lull or what may be considered “free time” means more “gadget time.”

Should they totally ban giving assignments to school children, an alternative activity should be presented. And that is to require students to read a book from the library and to write a summary of what they have read every end of the month. This will be a good initiative to encourage children to read. Extra time well spent.

The school may require students to read current events and to submit one news story, and to give their appreciation of the news item the following day. These and other suggested alternatives should be studied well by the Department of Education.

Too much experimentation may not be favorable to the child’s overall development. We do not have to introduce changes just because other developing countries are doing it. Let us be mindful that the Philippines is a third world country, and there are limitations in experimenting since every country has a unique situation.

Every Monday, get your weekly dose of random snapshots of what’s up in Metro Cebu! These images were taken by your friendly SunStar Cebu lifestyle team at work.

Enjoy today’s #SnapRecap.

Trending

No stories found.

Just in

No stories found.

Branded Content

No stories found.
SunStar Publishing Inc.
www.sunstar.com.ph