Jane McBumble had a ton of homework to finish. And it was due the next day! But she also had to go to swim practice and had a party to attend as well. So, when she arrived home that day, Jane asked her dad for help. He was only supposed to help a little, but ended up doing all of her homework. Jane’s dad was only doing what many parents do: even if it’s only helping out a little bit, it can often result in a parent doing the whole project. So, this leads to a bigger question:
Should parents help with homework?
The answer is NO.
Studies have proven that if parents check their children’s homework every day, student grades won’t actually get better. If your child has questions, ask them to talk to their teacher instead of you.
Education consultant Judy Dodge advises that—for homework help—children should ask their teachers because teachers know how to help students to find the answers rather than simply telling them the answers. This is essential if a student is going to learn the content. Homework is meant to help review what is being taught. When a parent does too much, the teacher doesn’t know how much the student can actually do on his or her own.
Are there advantages to parents helping with homework?
Some believe, however, that it is good for parents to help out with homework. It’s a chance to find out what their children are learning about. Helping with homework also gives parents some insights into a student’s interests. This can help parents to find other programs. Because classes are so large, students often don’t receive individual help. Unfortunately, many students need this help. Just talking things out with a parent can help a student to see the solutions or learn the content. Finally, a student’s education is both what is taught at home and at school.
The problem is that, in trying to help, parents often become too involved. Some children get so used to it, they begin expecting the parent to do the homework. Parents who do help with with homework should be aware that helping in middle school could result in bringing student grades down. So if parents think that helping will earn a higher score, they’re wrong! Many class grades are also based heavily on tests. If a student hasn’t done the homework, chances are he or she won’t do well on the test. Research has been conducted proving that kids who’ve had help with homework actually scored lower on tests than those who didn’t have help.
So, what can parents do to help their child in school?
Another solution would be to help create a distraction free environment for the child. Parents can do that by removing distractions such as turning the television off, or setting up a specific time for homework. Parents can also help students get to school for tutoring. Parents should ask their children about their classes and what they are learning. They shouldn’t DO the learning for them. That is a big difference. The answer is not to tell the answers or do the project, but to help by giving their children resources. Some students benefit when parents listen to a student explain HOW to answer a problem.
So, students, if you are getting help from your mom or dad with homework, STOP. Tell them you will figure it out on your own. Ask your teacher instead: they went to college for that specific reason and you will be better off learning the information for yourself.
Bibliography
"Education World: Connecting Educators to What Works." Education World: Connecting Educators to What Works. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 May 2015.
"The Atlantic — News and Analysis on Politics, Business, Culture, Technology, National, International, and Life " The Atlantic. Atlantic Media Company, n.d. Web. 14 May 2015.
"Homework: Should Parents Help Their Children, or Not?" YouGov: What the World Thinks. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 May 2015.
Click the link below to view the project overview video.
Credits:
Created with images by ** RCB ** - "homework" • Wokandapix - "read learn school" • Pexels - "batch bookcase books" • johnb2008 - "Homework" • Wokandapix - "tablet books education" • umezy12 - "Classroom" • Mimzy - "back to school pencils rainbow" • Wokandapix - "globe world earth" • Pixapopz - "math blackboard education"