A quiet revolution is unfolding in some WA primary classrooms, as principals’ move to put a blanket ban on homework.

Official “no homework policies” are  in place in at least four schools in the western state. Though a sharp break with the education status quo, teachers say the time is better spent with family or recreationally.

But education policy expert Glenn Savage says ditching homework altogether is a step too far. As long as the work set is relevant and reinforcing mechanism of the classroom curriculum, it should not be circumscribed into extinction.

It is superfluous homework that needs to be weeded out. Not homework altogether.

“People put themselves on one side of the fence or the other with this debate,” explains Savage.

“This is the wrong way to look at the problem. We need a debate about what quality and effective homework actually looks like. This kind of homework needs to be embedded across all schools.”

“But one of the most important things the research says is that they need to follow up on it. If they’re given homework and it’s disconnected and the students put effort into it and it’s never followed up on, that’s really a disincentive.

“It disengages young people and it’s annoying.”

A quiet revolution is unfolding in some WA primary classrooms, as principals&rsquo; move to put a blanket ban on homework.
Official &ldquo;no homework policies&rdquo; are&nbsp;&nbsp;in place in at least four schools in the western state. Though a sharp break with the education status quo, teachers say the time is better spent with family or recreationally.
But education policy expert Glenn Savage says ditching homework altogether is a step too far. As long as the work set is relevant and reinforcing mechanism of the classroom curriculum, it should not be circumscribed into extinction.
It is superfluous homework that needs to be weeded out. Not homework altogether.
&ldquo;People put themselves on one side of the fence or the other with this debate,&rdquo; explains Savage.
&ldquo;This is the wrong way to look at the problem. We need a debate about what quality and effective homework actually looks like. This kind of homework needs to be embedded across all schools.&rdquo;
&ldquo;But one of the most important things the research says is that they need to follow up on it. If they&rsquo;re given homework and it&rsquo;s disconnected and the students put effort into it and it&rsquo;s never followed up on, that&rsquo;s really a disincentive.
&ldquo;It disengages young people and it&rsquo;s annoying.&rdquo;

Australia Overnight with Mike Jeffreys, 12am – 4am weekdays.

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Australia Overnight with Mike Jeffreys, 12am – 4am weekdays.
Wake Up Australia, 4am - 9:30am weekdays.

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