Nel suo saggio “Homework is wrecking our kids: The research is clear, let’s ban elementary homework” la tesi sostenuta da Heather Shumaker è chiara:
… There is no evidence that any amount of homework improves the academic performance of elementary students…
C’è chi legge il giornale e fa di questo tema il fatto del giorno e c’è chi invece ha dedicato una vita alla questione. Forse è meglio sentire quest’ultimo, si chiama Harris Cooper, conduce le sue ricerche presso la Duke University. Ecco cosa pensa in merito:
… Homework has benefits, but its benefits are age dependent…
Per le elementari:
… For elementary-aged children, research suggests that studying in class gets superior learning results, while extra schoolwork at home is just . . . extra work…
Una precisazione sulle evidenze disponibili:
… let’s dispel the myth that these research results are due to a handful of poorly constructed studies. In fact, it’s the opposite. Cooper compiled 120 studies in 1989 and another 60 studies in 2006. This comprehensive analysis of multiple research studies found no evidence of academic benefit…
Ma perché i compiti fanno più male che bene? C’è l’ipotesi della motivazione:
… A child just beginning school deserves the chance to develop a love of learning. Instead, homework at a young age causes many kids to turn against school, future homework and academic learning…
Poi c’è un’ipotesi legata ai rapporti familiari:
… Then there’s the damage to personal relationships. In thousands of homes across the country, families battle over homework nightly. Parents nag and cajole. Overtired children protest and cry. Instead of connecting and supporting each other at the end of the day, too many families find themselves locked in the “did you do your homework?”…
Poi c’è la questione della dipendenza:
… When homework comes prematurely, it’s hard for children to cope with assignments independently— they need adult help to remember assignments and figure out how to do the work. Kids slide into the habit of relying on adults to help with homework or, in many cases, do their homework…
