Alfie Kohn is an American author specialized in human behavior, education and parenting. He is especially critical of the grading system in the education system, and of homework (or homework). He has written 12 books and many articles on these topics, but today I bring one that I think is especially necessary in these times, in which we may have the opportunity to "turn it over" - and modernize -to education.
Is about "The myth of homework- Why are they harmful to learning and living together?", which is edited by Kaleida Forma. In it Kohn states that the duties do not promote autonomy or good study habitsIn addition, they do not provide any academic benefit for Primary students, and there are serious doubts about whether they are recommended for Secondary students. It is not the first time that we provide such a comprehensive (and controversial) analysis in Peques and Más, but this time we have a very powerful ally. Why this author raises concrete measures to change what happens in schools (and in the houses), with a very clear objective: "to rescue the taste to learn from our children, and the well-being in our families".
What are homework for?
They tell us from the web The myth of the duties, that in Spain the most traditional and ancient vision is being reinforced (so much to speak of modernity for this!) On education. It is due to the extension of educational policies that arrive from the United States, those that speak to us incessantly of effort, demand, revalidation, control and competitiveness of and among students (and educational centers).
Is it just what we are seeing in practice, or do you think not? All this damages the learning and development of our sons and daughters, and also they suppose an interference in the dynamics of the homes: more and more homework and earlier. Parents must assume an "obligation" related to the schooling of their children, beyond a family education that fits the characteristics of each of us, and of our children.
We already know that this means (depending on the case), that the child loses part of his free time, that he gets tired more than he should, discussions with the parents, frustration, etc., is what we want? Is this a current school?
The truth is, I don't think that completing 10 subtractions by taking, or coloring the English card (without leaving, yes), is nothing productive or encourages the taste for learning from anyone. Another thing would be "in a week we will see what you have discovered each of you about the autotrophic beings, bring me photos if you can".
The myth of homework aims to be a tool in this educational and social debate. His brilliant analysis not only reveals the nonsense of duties, but also the strong connections between them and a vision of education seriously wrong in their conception of learning. It provides arguments that will help us to base what we intuit, and to actively participate in the defense of the education and life of our children.
Why do parents participate in this attack on constructive and pleasant education?
Kohn is very incisive in this regard, and points out three main causes:
We have a set of wrong beliefs about learning.
Apparently we don't trust childhood and youth too much.
We may have surrendered to the approach of education contaminated by competition.
What do you tell me? Do you feel like reading it? It costs 21 euros, and maybe we change our idea about homework.
