Insight for Sunday 16 May 2010

Increasing numbers of primary schools are chucking traditional homework tasks for things like "visiting grandma" or "making the bed."

But how do such activities enhance children's academic development?

Does homework encourage good study habits, time management and self organisation? Or does it keep children from developing other characteristics such as social responsibility?

And for parents, many who are time-poor,do they really need to be struggling to get their children's homework done?

While research points to well-targetted homework being a positive thing for secondary schoolers, the jury is out about the benefits for primary school students

Penny Mackay investigates how homework is changing in New Zealand's primary schools and what it means for students and their parents.

Picture sourced from samlevan stock photos