Timeless Alfie Kohn "Self Discipline is Overrated"
Alfie Kohn spoke about the role of homework in schools at the University of Calgary on May 10. Hooking his audience with a quote from a 'Administrative Leadership' document questioning the benefits of homework, he then revealed it was written in 1951...a grand metaphor of the sluggish pace of change in education. His foundation of the need to rethink homework is a as follows: After spending most of the day in school, children are typically given additional assignments to be completed at home. This is a rather curious fact when you stop to think about it, but not as curious as the fact that few people ever stop to think about it. It becomes even more curious, for that matter, in light of three other facts: 1. The negative effects of homework are well known. They include children’s frustration and exhaustion, lack of time for other activities, and possible loss of interest in learning. Many parents lament the impact of homework on their relationshi...