Parents in the UAE have different approaches to tackling the question of homework given to their children by teachers. What works for some, doesn’t for others and while research into the pros and cons of homework continues, it remains an integral part of school life.
Starting early
Originally from Mumbai, Wendy Godinho, 43, encouraged her daughter Abigayle, 9, to develop good homework habits from an early age. She started school in Canada where she was usually given one week to complete any homework. However, her mum made sure that it was finished on the same day it was received.
“From the age of five it has been automatic for Abigayle to finish her homework straight away,” says Wendy. “One hour of the day is always set aside for homework, even if it is for fun tasks such as colouring-in or reading.”
The family came to Dubai in 2016 where Abigayle attends Our Own English High School in Al Warqaa, affiliated to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
“Although at the age of nine there is not that much homework pressure, when the new school term comes in April this year and she goes into Grade 5, the homework load will get heavier,” says Godinho. The transition should be easier, having kept up the good habit of completing it immediately.”
Yet Sharon De Sousa, 49 from Canada doesn’t believe in cracking the whip. She gives her three children the freedom to study and do homework when they please. Two children are at Dubai College and the eldest is at university in Canada.
“My husband, Manuel, and I feel the kids have to do their homework on their own,” she says. They are responsible for getting it done and on time. We don’t restrict them on going out during exam time and we don’t pressure them to study, and leave it up to them to manage their time. We feel that by doing this, they learn essential life lessons now.”
She adds that if any teacher pointed out a problem both parents would immediately step in, but so far they have never had to get involved.
Learn life skills
Prisca Seif Toland, Secondary School Counsellor, Raffles International School, agrees that some important life skills can be learnt through responsibilities such as receiving and completing assignments, good study habits, time-management skills and teamwork.
While completing homework can bring about academic benefits, Toland feels schools and parents must try not to overload students. She relates to the ten-minute rule, that no more than ten minutes of homework should be done per grade level, up to a maximum of about two hours a day in secondary school.
“Beyond this point, students have shown difficulty in absorbing useful information,” she says. In addition, excess homework can result in social drawbacks, less time for family and friends, extracurricular activities, lack of sleep and increased stress.
Managing their time wisely by making a study calendar has shown older students that there can be plenty of time to study as well as have a life, and it is also a great way for parents to see how their child is managing their own time, and holds their child accountable to their own planning.
Toland believes that parents should help their children with their homework provided this is done in a non-confrontational way.
“Parents should not be doing the homework for the kids, but rather empowering their children to do their own research, revisions and assignments.”
Most Dubai schools have a homework policy, parent-teacher meetings and parent portals and use a diary system that acts as the go-between for parents, children and teachers, a useful tool provided that all involved read it.
