We, at Marsascala St. Anne Primary School, fully endorse the National Homework Policy which was published by The Ministry for Education and Employment in 2018. Following, are some direct extracts from this policy which we believe contain the most salient points to be followed.
The full version of the National Homework Policy (2018) can be accessed at: https://education.gov.mt/Documents/Homework%20Policy.pdf
Objectives
The National Homework Policy (2018) states that the purpose of a Homework Policy is “to identify meaningful understandings and practices of homework with the aim of assisting all involved in the educational learning process by offering direction regarding meaningful homework that takes into account the different needs of all the learners” (p.2) .
The expectations of homework should be in line with the values of diversity, equity, and social justice as outlined in the Framework for the Education Strategy for Malta 2014-2024. Homework should not interfere with or undermine co-curricular activities, including those of a social nature. It is crucial that learners are given a timely opportunity to be involved in meaningful leisure activities.
Effective & Quality Homework
Effectiveness and quality of homework include:
work that is directly related to what has already been explained and/or practised in class;
work that gives learners the opportunity to practise and understand more deeply the content or procedures they have been introduced to in class;
– work that gives students the opportunity to apply what they have already learnt in class;
work that offers students the opportunity to further explore their interests in relation to what has already been taught in class.
Diversity and Choice of Homework
Considering the different learning needs and preferences of learners, homework assignments may need to vary. It is also helpful to give students some choice in homework tasks to encourage them to have more ownership of their learning.
There are three major kinds of meaningful homework assignments:
Practice homework: work that reviews and reinforces skills, concepts, dispositions and values taught in class; the more the students understand what they have learnt, the more effective the homework will be;
Extension homework: work that assists learners to explore and refine their learning by applying what they have learnt through problem solving and thinking creatively and critically; it helps students make connections between what they have learnt and the real world;
Preparation homework: work that prepares learners in a general manner for a forthcoming lesson or topic. Learners may be asked to conduct a short research on a particular topic before this is tackled in class.
With learners that have access to technology, homework can be enhanced through the use of technology. It is also helpful to allow students to form groups to do homework. This practice gives learners important collaborative skills.
Reporting of Homework
Homework is meant to be part of formative rather than summative assessment; that is, homework is part of assessment for learning and not assessment of learning. Homework is primarily meant to support learning that has taken place in class.
Every case of regularly-missed homework needs to be investigated on the basis of its context. It is important that learners take responsibility to complete homework.
Timing, Scheduling and Quantity
Kindergarten
No homework should be assigned, although Kindergarten Educators may provide and recommend resources to support families in early learning activities (for instance, playing, talking, and reading together).
It is important to consider that parental involvement increases learner achievement. Parents can be involved by reading with their children, and involving their children in sports and cultural activities
Year 1 & Year 2
At this level reading to and/or with children on a daily basis in one’s mother tongue increases learner achievement. The major focus of homework should be on reading and interactive activities, including play.
By end of Year 2 the amount of homework should not exceed more than 20 minutes per day.
Years 3 to Year 6
By Year 3, the amount of homework should not exceed more than 30 minutes per day.
Independent homework should be introduced and should not exceed more than 45 minutes per day by Year 6. Gradual increment in the amount of homework is advisable.