Homework may include:
- Written exercises
- Longer written assignments
- Oral/learning work
- Project work
- Revision
The time-frame will depend on time of year and will vary from subject to subject and from year group to year group and will also depend on the ability of the student.
What is the purpose of homework?
- To enhance learning and teaching in the classroom
- To reinforce work done in class in order to be able to progress and to direct future teaching
- To assess the progress of students
- To encourage students to be active learners rather than passive learners
- To develop self-discipline and self-directed learning
Homework Guidelines for Junior Cycle Students
In School:
- Journal to be brought to every class
- Write homework into journal at the end of each class
At Home:
- Neat presentation of homework is essential.
- Decide on the order of work before you start.
- Start with favourite subject, follow with least favourite and finish with second favourite.
- Allocate a time limit to each assignment and stick to it. Always study against the clock. Work in time blocks of 30 minutes.
- 1st Years : 1 – 1½ hours per night (3 x 30)
- (Note – unlike primary school, homework is given at the weekend)
- 2nd Years : 2 hours per night (4 x 30)
- 3rd Years : 2 – 3 hours per night (6 x 30)
- N.B. If doing supervised study for 2 hours after school, the balance of recommended homework time should be done at home.
- Before starting each subject spend 5-10 minutes reviewing that day’s classwork.
- Where possible close your book when doing homework.
- Alternate written and learning work – both are equally important.
- Where possible incorporate Note Taking / Mapping with your written and learning work as an aid to revision later.
- Record time spent on each subject in Homework Journal.
- Parent must sign journal, on completion of homework every night.
- When homework is completed, spend some time, even 10 minutes, every night on revision work.
- N.B. Homework missed during absence from school should be recorded in journal and completed as soon as possible (by arrangement with subject teacher).