Tell Them From Me Survey - Home Learning Question
Thank you to our families for responding to the survey questions to provide us with data regarding our current home learning practices.
There were 2 initial questions regarding homework. The first was regarding time spent on homework. The majority of our respondents said their child spends less than 30 mins a day completing homework. 9 children spend between 30-40 mins a day completing homework.
There were 48 comments from parents concerning our question around what home learning could look like moving forward.
3 parents would prefer to have no homework. This was mainly due to family and work commitments outside of school hours as well as the productivity levels of completing homework tasks after a long day at school and work.
The majority of parents said they are happy with the current format. 13 parents also requested a form of research-based homework and some flexible options including the time frame around completing homework tasks.
There was a large consensus around spending 20-30 mins a day on homework.
98% of Year 4-6 students agreed it was important for them to complete homework.
Our staff looked at all survey results and we had a lengthy discussion around a proposal for homework, taking into consideration parent, staff, and student voice. We considered family commitments and what we value in regard to homework.
Our proposal:
- At STM we set homework tasks.
- Homework will be set for all students.
- Homework will be acknowledged when submitted.
- There is no disciplinary action or consequences for not competing homework tasks.
- 15-20 mins reading a night is expected for all grades.
Kinder and Year 1 – reading, tricky words, nightly repetition of these and tasks which consolidate class learning.
Year 3 and 4- fortnightly homework which includes maths and spelling tasks as well as an Xplore More task related to a project type presentation at the end of the term.
Year 5 and 6 – continue with a self-paced structure of homework in preparation for high school.
This proposal will be discussed at the School Community Council meeting next Tuesday night. Please email me by Monday August 7th with any further comments regarding this or have a discussion with a member of our School Community Council before Tuesday.
Thank you.
Nicole Mikkonen.