The Homework Myth - Hardcover

Kohn, Alfie

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0738210854 ISBN 13: 9780738210858

Publisher: Da Capo Lifelong Books, 2006

Synopsis

Death and taxes come later; what seems inevitable for children is the idea that, after spending the day at school, they must then complete more academic assignments at home. The predictable results: stress and conflict, frustration and exhaustion. Parents respond by reassuring themselves that at least the benefits outweigh the costs. But what if they don't? In The Homework Myth, nationally known educator and parenting expert Alfie Kohn systematically examines the usual defenses of homework--that it promotes higher achievement, "reinforces" learning, and teaches study skills and responsibility. None of these assumptions, he shows, actually passes the test of research, logic, or experience. So why do we continue to administer this modern cod liver oil--or even demand a larger dose? Kohn's incisive analysis reveals how a mistrust of children, a set of misconceptions about learning, and a misguided focus on competitiveness have all left our kids with less free time and our families with more conflict. Pointing to parents who have fought back--and schools that have proved educational excellence is possible without homework--Kohn shows how we can rethink what happens during and after school in order to rescue our families and our children's love of learning.

About this title

About the Author:

Alfie Kohn is the author of ten previous books, including Punished by Rewards, The Schools Our Children Deserve, and Unconditional Parenting. He lives with his family in the Boston area.

Review:

"A shot across the bow of traditionalists...with considerable research backing him up." -- InfoDad.com, 8/24/06

"Anyone who has sat at a kitchen table with a child who's struggling..is going to love Kohn's theories." -- San Diego Union-Tribune, 9/3/06

"Kohn takes many of the things we assume about homework and shreds them." -- Copley News Service, 9/15/2006

"Persuasive...The book will undoubtedly change how you see the role of homework in your child's life." -- Richmond Parents Monthly, September 2006

"Should be required reading for every teacher, principal, and school district head in the country...[Kohn's] point is on target." -- Boston Sunday Globe, 10/1/2006

"Ultimately, this is a book about empowering teachers, parents, and kids to stand up for what's best." -- Curled Up with a Good Kid's Book

"Well argued and will stimulate lots of discussion. Recommended." -- Library Journal, 9/1/06

"What Kohn says about this subject makes sense." -- Teacher Magazine, November/December 2006

"[Homework] is a stinging jeremiad against the assignment of homework, which the author...convincingly argues is a wasteful...bankrupt practice." -- Atlantic Monthly, November 2006

"[Kohn] sympathetically enumerates the most common complaints against homework...challenging the notion that homework may be useful." -- Washington Post Book World, 9/10/2006

About this edition

• Publisher: Da Capo Lifelong Books
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0738210854
• ISBN 13: 9780738210858
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 256