Homework is a topic which has drawn my attention a while ago, and I finally have the opportunity to have an input in this. Ever since I got my first homework, which was tracing letter and rewriting my name, I have questioned it’s importance. I didn't have to research an abundance of website to know what homework is, since it’s something everyone goes through. Homework isn't a waste of time, but it also depends on what type of student it is. If it’s a student that doesn't do anything in class, then that student depends on the homework to pass.
Test scores will be a good judge if the students are using their own ability to answer the question. It also depends on the student because of the attitude towards the test. It also depends on the teachers, because of advocacy. As a student, everyone will try to study by heart, not by their own ability. In this kind of situation, scoring the test will not be good judge of a student's competency.
Homework has been an issue over the years, students complaining about how much homework they have to do. I think it is not necessary, many people, specially teachers, disagree because they say it's a review of what students learned at school. There are many ways to avoid homework instead of reviewing at hoe classes should be five minutes longer, so students would have time to review at the beginning of class.
In Brent Staples' opinion piece, "Why the United States Should Look to Japan for Better Schools" from "The New York Times" explains the decrease in education in America through out time with government and economy, and why the U.S should look to Japan in envy of the amazing Education system. Japan is the MOST technologically advanced country in the world with the best education system. The United States has not taken into account how teachers are trained and how they teach, effecting the children all throughout America. Japan trains their teachers like doctors and lawyers.
Not very often do they come around, but we all know about them. Often times it's the school gym teacher. On one occasion, it was my 9th grade English teacher. From the very first day of my freshman year I knew that he had some issues with being humble. He started most mornings with a very lame joke that had some connection to his self accomplishments. Now I'm not saying that pride and self-approval is bad, but too much is too much. He occasionally pulled out his guitar to sing for us and had no desire to connect to the students.
This entire year, I have learned a lot on a variety of topics. I think that this year was by far the toughest year with regards to transitioning from junior high school to high school. My school holds grades 7 through 12, so this is my third year in the school. 7th grade was tough because the work that was assigned to students was a lot more than my former elementary school, and now from junior high school to high school was another tough adjustment.
