Perceptions of Parents and Students to Homework in Mathematics

Abstract

Homework has become of great interest to educators and seems to lead to tension between parents and students (Novak & Lynott, 2015). This study investigates parents and students' perceptions and involvement in homework. The main research question is "what are the parents and students' perceptions towards homework in mathematics? Moreover, the way parents follow their children's homework and the difficulties they face and how they overcome these difficulties. Another objective focuses on identifying the relationships between parents, students and teachers and to what degree they got influenced by the Ministry of Education that canceled homework in Israel. This study is a qualitative one which based on interviewing 12 parents and 12 students from elementary schools from the Arab sector in Northern Israel. The interviews collected data concerning the participants' perceptions towards homework. The findings of the study show that most parents and students identify the goals and importance of homework. However, among the barriers that limit them in doing homework is the Parental pressure and Math anxiety. Homework influences the interaction of the triangle parent-student-teacher relationships. The research suggests the parents and students' solutions to promote the students in three levels: educational, interpersonal, social and educational spheres and the student learning Pattern. This study raises several dilemmas between the existing and desired according to students and parents' opinions.

Keywords

• Homework in Mathematics
• Involvement
• Parents
• Perceptions
• Primary School

References

1. Abd Algani Y., (2018). Applying Creative Skills in Teaching Math at Primary School Stage, journal of International Education, Economy and Business Conference Proceeding, 6, 26-33.
2. Abd Algani, Y., (2019), Innovative Ways to Teach Mathematics: Are they Employed in Schools?, Journal of Computer and Education Research, 7(14). 496-514.
3. Abd Algani, Y. M. (2021). The effect of the collaborative learning technique on students ’educational performance in math. Journal for the Mathematics Education and Teaching Practices, 2(2), 81-91.
4. Cooper, H. (1989). Synthesis of research on homework. Educational Leadership. Nov. pp. 85-91.
5. Cooper, H. R. (2006). Does homework improve academic achievement? A synthesis of research, 1987-2003. Review of Educational Research, , 76(1), 1–62.
6. Fleischer, G. & Ohal, Sh. (2010). Homework in elementary school. Limitations and Dangers.
7. Fredman, E. . (2005). Measurement and evaluation: of a social and educational program, . Henriett Szold Institute.
8. Gecer A., & Dag, F. (2012). A blended learning experience. Theory and Practice, 12(1), 438–442.

9. Goodwin, B. (2017). The Power of Parental Expectations . Educational Leadership, 75, 1, 80-81.
10. Greenbaum, Z. & Fried, D. (eds.) (2011). Family connection - early childhood education: Snapshot and recommendations of the committee on family relations - Early Childhood Education Frameworks, Kindergarten-3rd grade, and their affiliation to the child's development and success in the Educational System. Jerusalem: Israeli National Academy of Sciences.
11. Hong, E., Mason, E., Peng, Y., & Lee, N. (2015). Effects of Homework Motivation and Worry Anxiety on Homework Achievement in Mathematics and English. Educational Research and Evaluation, v21 n7-8 p491-514.
12. Kathleen, B. G., & Snead, D. (2017). Middle School Students’ Perceptions Regarding the Motivation and Effectiveness of Homework. School Community Journal, Vol. 27, No. 2.
13. Kitsantas, A., Cheema, J., & Ware, H. W. (Winter 2011). Mathematics Achievement: The Role of Homework and Self-Efficacy Beliefs. Journal of Advanced Academics, v. 22 no. 2 pp. 310-339.
14. Novak, B. E., & Lynott, F. J. (2015). , Homework in Physical Education: Benefits and Implementation. A Journal for Physical and Sport Educators, v28 n1 p22-26.
15. Núñez, J. C., Suárez, N., Rosário, P., Vallejo, G., Valle, A., & Epstein, J. L. (2015). Relationships between Perceived Parental Involvement in Homework, Student Homework Behaviors, and Academic Achievement: Differences among Elementary, Junior High, and High School Students. Metacognition and Learning, v10 n3 p375-406.
16. Plummer, K. (1995). Rethinking methods in psychology. London: Sega Publications.
17. Pope, D. B. (2015). Overloaded and underprepared: Strategies for stronger schools and healthy, successful kids. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
18. RAMA. (2017). Snapshot: Mathematics Studies in Israel. Trends and Findings from the Israeli Education System,. Report # 2.
19. Rochelle, J. (2016). Investigating Gender Differences on Homework in Middle School Mathematics. Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Educational Data Mining, June 29-July 2, , Raleigh, NC.
20. Trautwein, & Lüdtke, O. (2009). Predicting homework motivation and homework effort in six school subjects: The role of person and family characteristics, classroom factors, and school track. Learning and Instruction, 19, 243–258.
21. Walk, L., & Lassak, M. (2017). Making Homework Matter to Students. Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School, v22 n9 p546-553.
22. Xu, J., Fan, X., & Du, J. (2017). Homework Emotion Regulation Scale: Confirming the Factor Structure with High School Students. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, v35 n4 p437-441.