The Nazarene

Director of Learning Innovation Report

Homework

At Nazareth College, we have recommendations about the amount of homework students should be completing. The total homework load per school day for students at specific levels should be approximately:

  • 60 minutes at Year 7
  • 75 minutes at Year 8
  • 90 Minutes at Year 9
  • 120 minutes at Year 10
  • 150 minutes at Year 11
  • 180 minutes at Year 12

Research has established that homework has a positive effect on learning, particularly at the middle and secondary school levels. Homework continues to be an important educational supplement used by teachers to enhance the learning experience of their students. Homework is not merely ‘busy work’ nor the simple repetition of classwork, nor should it be the completion of work unfinished in class.  Homework will usually consist of one or more of the following:

  • activities that reinforce the concepts and skills taught during the lesson or in preparation for an assessment (i.e. study);
  • activities that introduce new concepts and skills to be taught in the next lesson;
  • ongoing work on an extended task; e.g. a research assignment; a visual art portfolio.

Furthermore, research by psychologists has shown us that going back over materials that have already been learnt is vital for learning. This is referred to as retrieval practice. “Retrieval practice” is a learning strategy where we focus on getting information out. Through the act of retrieval, or calling information to mind, our memory for that information is strengthened and forgetting is less likely to occur. Retrieval practice is a powerful strategy for improving academic performance without more technology, money, or class time!

If students need some assistance with Homework, we run Homework Club on Days 2, 4 and 9. On Day 2, the Club operates from 1.30 to 3.30 pm and on Days 4 and 9, the Club operates from 3.30 to 5.30 pm. The Club is held in the Resource Centre. Teachers and Tutors are on hand to assist students.

 

If you have any questions about homework, please contact me at the College.

 

Ms Claire Nailon

Director of Learning Innovation