Listen to Me! An Exploration of the Students Voices Regarding Homework

Most of the research conducted about homework is based on adults' perspectives. This case study explored the perspectives of 5th and 6th grade students in comparison with 10 teachers' perceptions about homework. The author administered questionnaires and conducted in depth interviews using a stratified purposive sample and extreme case sampling; which educed the participants' perceptions and practices about homework. The students' represented 4 distinct groups: English Language Learners, general education, gifted and talented and special education. The teachers' instruct 5th and 6th grade. The results of the study indicate that students do not complete their homework because they find it too hard, boring, or they do not understand it. Interestingly, students think that worksheets are hard and boring. However, they are not against homework! This book should benefit teachers, parents, school administrators and staff developers. It would also help develop homework practices that would increase homework completion and student learning. This book brings out the voices of the students to the forefront. After all, they are the ones doing the homework. Listen to them!