HOME LESSONS ABOLISH^

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 503, 5 November 1928, Page 8

HOME LESSONS ABOLISH^

EXPERIMENT IN MT. EDO| TEACHER AND CHILD BENEFIT The elimination of school child, ren’s homework has been prc vei) in the Mount Eden district to h beneficial to scholar and teach” and a special investigating com’ mittee declares that a hap p ;.. and more content child, with ultimately greater record scholastic achievement, is the r. suit of doing away with the drudgery of home lessons. ' The adoption of the "No Homeworkplan by the Mount Eden School, aafl the discussions which it promoted to the appointment by the Moot Eden School Committee of a special committee to collate and supply formation concerning the system, in. quiries were made among ta. teachers, and without exception the! declared themselves against home work. The atmosphere of the home, win. its mnsic, conversation, social’ pie a . sures and other distracting interests' the teacher said, was not concentration, nor were parents usually as well qualified to supervis! studies as were trained teachere Frequently, too much assistance was given by parents, or older brothers a&j sisters, thus detracting from the valun of the work done. All homes and parents were not equaUy well equipped, and children presenting homework received praise or eondet! nation which they did not always deserve. ALTERNATIVE METHODS The methods adopted in the Mosnt Eden School had resulted in securing greater concentration, more individnil attention, and quickened interest insulting in better work being accomplished. The children came to school without fear of punishment, they applied themselves to their studies more readily and with greater interest, and they relaxed immediately upon leaving the clawroom. The scholars were undoubtedly happier for their freedom from homework; they worked better and thev played better. Parents had testified to the beneficial health results, the worry of homework or the fear of punishment no longer causing loss of sleep. Various methods could be used in place of homework. The system adopted at the Mount Eden School provided short periods of instruction and concentration followed by fitquent tests. The plan enabled tke teachers to observe the varied capacity and responsiveness of the scholars, and by quietly moving ahont among them, the teachers were able to gain their confidence and render help to those who needed special assistance. A bond of sympathy and friendship between teacher and scholar was thus created, the scholar being assured that the teacher wonid give kindly and confidential assistance in the solution of any difficulty experienced.