Are the Benefits of Homework a Myth?

This week you read an interview between Alfie Kohn, author of The Homework Myth, and Kenneth Whyte, publisher of Maclean's. You can also watch a 5-minute interview between Mr. Kohn and CBS reporter Rene Syler by clicking here --you will then need scroll down the page a bit, and then click #3 to watch the video. If you would like to know more about what Mr. Kohn has to say, you will find several of his articles here.

In this blog post, the author of D-Ed Reckoning, pokes holes in Mr. Kohn's assertions. His style is informal and his choice of words not always the most eloquent, but his arguments include legitimate points to consider. He also recommends this article by Daniel Willingham, a professor in Cognitive Psychology, which discusses how much students should practice what they learn.

After you have read the interview in Maclean's and the post in D-Ed Reckoning, write your own evaluation of Mr. Kohn's ideas. Was homework in elementary school a waste of time? What did you learn from the assignments? What about high school? What types of assignments were the most useful? No one knows the factors that have helped you learn material like you do. You are the experts, and many people would like to know your opinion.