Abstract
Responsibility for homework in primary school: Australian mothers' views
Homework is an accepted and encouraged part of school practice which, it has been argued, serves a number of functions for most children. The regular practice of homework is thought to help children consolidate their learning, to develop appropriate patterns of study and to take responsibility for their own learning. Children do not develop these skills alone: both parents' and teachers' views and practices are influential. This study investigated the views of mothers of primary school-age children (grades 2, 4 or 6) about homework practices and about the relative roles of parents, teachers and children in developing homework practices. The results indicated similarities on most issues across parents of the three age groups but significant differences in the relative responsibility assigned to children from grade 2 to grade 6. The implications for the development of children's sense of responsibility and of responsible homework practices are discussed.
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