For many years, homework has been a topic of heated public discussion and concern of students, parents, teachers, and administrators. Perhaps the most crucial question regards its efficacy for improving academic achievement. This book combines the results of research studies and exemplary practices to provide guidance about homework to…

Summarizes arguments of advocates and opponents of homework. Stresses that timing of assignments, nature of and reasons for giving assignments, clarity and completeness of assignment explanations, and treatment of completed assignments must be considered for homework to be an effective, joy-giving tool. Offers nine ideas for making homework more…

This article discusses how one teacher uses a weekend study buddy as a portable learning center for students (ages 5-9) with mild disabilities. The study buddy is a colorful cloth or paper bag that the students take home over the weekend. It can also be individualized to target particular needs. (Contains 8 references.) (CR)

The relevance of homework in today's schools is explored in this bulletin. Following the introduction, chapter 1 examines the effect of homework on academic achievement and concludes that there is a lack of agreement on the benefits of homework and on the amount of time students should spend on it. Chapter 2 describes homework practices in some…

A positive, practical approach to parent tutoring of children is presented in this booklet. Suggestions for how to listen and react to one's child, how to use associations to promote easy learning, and how to reinforce positive behavior and encourage independence are provided. Each chapter sets out a step-by-step system. An easy collaborative…

Guidelines are presented to assist special educators in implementing homework practices. They include determining the amount of homework, deciding on the content of homework, selecting the type of homework, explaining homework to students, assisting students with their homework, motivating students to complete homework, evaluating homework, and…

Philosophical traditions have a pedagogical impact on how educators willingly or unwittingly conduct themselves. This paper presents an analytic review of two contrasting educational philosophies and their corresponding learning outcomes. Questions are raised concerning the schism that exists between teacher-centered and learner-centered…

The Home Education Learning Project (Project HELP) of the Philadelphia Public Schools is described. Based on an earlier school district telephone answering service program (Dial-A-Teacher Assistance (DATA LINE), with input from students through surveys, the project was implemented in 1984 to assist students with homework questions. In the first…

Three types of homework assignments are commmon in schools in the United States: practice, preparation, and extension. To be effective, practice exercises must be highly individualized and based on the progress of each student. Preparation normally refers to reading assignments given prior to class meetings. Homework of this sort should be…

This document describes an experimental program which is designed to help students from grade 5 to grade 7 who are working at or slightly below grade level maintain mathematics skills. Students receive nine home-study packets containing two to four lessons each. Parents must make a commitment to supervise the home-study. The 25 lessons presented…

This document describes an experimental program which is designed to help students from grade 5 to grade 7 who are working at or slightly below grade level maintain mathematics skills. Students receive nine home-study packets containing two to four lessons each. Parents must make a commitment to supervise the home-study. The 25 lessons presented…

This parent education program is meant to be used by counselors in much the same way as other parenting programs. It uses "Parents as Tutors" as the text for parents. This curriculum resource guide includes a syllabus, nine lesson plans, and guidelines for counselors. The introduction notes that parent groups work best with 8-12 parents. The nine…

Even the most intelligent children can have low rates of achievement if their natural abilities are not supported by effective study practices at home. The development of good study habits requires the guidance and firm supervision of a caring adult. The following suggestions should help parents guide their children in the development of good…

Because most parents say they do not or cannot help their children with science, this booklet was designed to help them do so, easily and with pleasure for both parent and child. The introduction presents information on why and how parents should help their children and provides a general orientation to the ideas and activities offered in the…

This manual is a resource book for organizers and leaders and parent groups who want to explore specific strategies to use in helping children with home learning. The guide contains material necessary to conduct a 1- or 1.5-hour session on how parents can encourage and support children's efforts toward home learning. The guide includes: (1) a…