Alfie kohn born october 15, 1957 is an american author and lecturer in the areas of education, parenting, and human behavior. The truth about homework needless assignments persist because of widespread misconceptions about learning by alfie kohn. Homework is all pain and no gain, says author alfie kohn. Alfie kohn should look up rhetorical appeals before he writes another book. Alfie kohn books list of books by author alfie kohn. They are people whose current needs and rights and experiences must be taken seriously. There does seem to be a correlation between homework and standardized test scores, but a it isnt strong, meaning that homework doesnt explain much of the variance in scores, b one prominent researcher, timothy keith, who did find a solid correlation, returned to the topic a decade.
The homework myth by alfie kohn deep in our gut, i think we all knew from our childhood experiences, that homework was a total crock. He systematically demolishes the popular culture perspective on the benefits of homework and what it is designed to accomplish and highlights that, as prescribed, it can have a deleterious effect upon children and families. Apparently, its taken alfie an entire book to tell us that there really is no credible research either way when it comes to the benefits or harms of homework. To ask other readers questions about the homework myth, please sign up. Alfie kohn, author of such standbys of progressive educational literature. Why our kids get too much of a bad thing 2006 and unconditional parenting. The author of fourteen books and hundreds of articles, he lectures at education conferences and universities as well as to parent groups and corporations. Alfie kohn is a contemporary academic who studies and writes about issues of education, parenting, and human behavior. The bedley bros interview alfie kohn about his philosophy that homework is a bad idea. Rethinking homework alfie kohn for anyone willing to shake things up in order to do what makes sense, beginning a conversation about homework is a very good place to start. Mindopening writing on what kids need from school, from one of educations most outspoken voices arguing that our schools are currently in the grip of a cult of rigora confusion of harder with better that threatens to banish both joy and meaningful intellectual inquiry from our classroomsalfie kohn issues a stirring call to rethink our priorities and. Classroom management theorists and theoriesalfie kohn. Alfie kohn writes and lectures widely on education and human behavior.
Alfie kohn writes and speaks widely on human behavior, education, and parenting. But parents see lots of homework as part of the race to be the best and schools claim that it gives parents an insight into the school curriculum and objectives for. Why our kids get too much of a bad thing by alfie kohn 903 ratings, 3. His 11 books include punished by rewards 1993, the schools our children deserve 1999, and the homework myth 2006. Alfie kohn writes and speaks widely on education, parenting, and human behavior. The book outlines why traditional homework causes dread and frustration for students, how flipped learningcompleting the harder or more analytical aspects of learning in class as opposed to having students do it on their ownimproves student learning, and how teachers can create flipped assignments that both engage students and. Because the question that serves as the title of this chapter doesnt seem all that complicated, you might think that after all this time wed have a straightforward answer. New research suggests it may be an unnecessary evil.
Theres something perversely fascinating about educational policies that are clearly at odds with the available data. In one way its pure pleasure to read something so rational, clever, and careful. The author of 11 books and numerous articles in highprofile outlets, he is an influential goto guy for education reporters seeking expert comments on everything from standardized testing policy to student motivation let me admit at the outset that i dont really believe reading what he has to say is bad for you. Find all the books, read about the author, and more. Pdf the homework myth download full pdf book download. Children, after all, are not just adultsinthemaking. In the homework myth, alfie kohn systematically examines the usual defenses of homework that it promotes higher achievement, reinforces learning, teaches study skills and responsibility. Buy a cheap copy of the homework myth book by alfie kohn. For one teachers response to this excerpt, read in defense of homework. He is a proponent of progressive education and has offered critiques of many traditional aspects of parenting, managing, and american society more generally, drawing in each case from social science research. He is critical but not totally anti homework just antihomeworkashomeworkisdone. Sep 06, 2006 the truth about homework needless assignments persist because of widespread misconceptions about learning by alfie kohn.
He also points out the negative aspects of homework. This is an excerpt from alfie kohns recently published book the homework myth. Alfie kohn writes about what a new homework study really says and what it doesnt say. The trouble with gold stars, incentive plans, as, praise, and other bribes, and more on. Second, even at the high school level, the research supporting homework hasnt been particularly persuasive. Kohns incisive analysis reveals how a set of misconceptions about. Of his earlier titles, the best known are punished by rewards. He is the author of 12 books about education and human behavior, including the schools our children. Alfie kohn is the author of ten previous books, including punished by rewards, the schools our children deserve, and unconditional parenting. Subjecting young children to homework, grades, or standardized testsmerely because these things will be required of them laterreminds kohn. The latest of his eleven books are the homework myth. A debunking of common defenses of homework that it promotes higher achievement, reinforces learning, and teaches study skills followed by half a dozen explanations for why we continue to administer this modern cod liver oil to children in the absence of proven benefits. Is there such a thing as too much it may surprise you, as it did me, to learn that no study has ever demonstrated any academic benefit to assigning. Aug 16, 2006 this is an interesting, and all too typical, interview with alfie kohn on his new book the homework myth.
In his book the homework myth, kohn points out that no study has ever found a correlation between homework and academic achievement in elementary school, and there is little reason to believe that homework is necessary in high school. After spending most of the day in school, students are given additional assignments to be completed at home. Download for offline reading, highlight, bookmark or take notes while you read the homework myth. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. He has published many books on these topics including punished by rewards 1993, no contest 1986, and the homework myth 2006. Surprising findings from new research by alfie kohn. Dangerous jackass this is an interesting, and all too typical, interview with alfie kohn on his new book the homework myth. In a recent series of books and articles including alfie kohns the homework myth, sara bennett and nancy kalishs the case against homework, and. Educational success should be measured by how strong your desire is to keep learning. Alfie kohn lectures at universities and groups with related interests and has been a guest on. The author of 11 books and numerous articles in highprofile outlets, he is an influential goto guy for education reporters seeking expert comments on everything from standardized testing policy to student motivation. Moving from rewards and punishments to love and reason, and punished by rewards.
So why do we continue to administer this modern cod liver oilor even demand a larger dose. In his book the homework myth, kohn points out that no study has ever found a correlation between homework and academic achievement in elementary school, and there is little reason. Why our kids get too much of a bad thing paperback august 14, 2007. Stress free homework practical advice to make homework. Discover book depositorys huge selection of alfie kohn books online. Top 10 best alfie kohn books top rated alfie kohn books list. See all books authored by alfie kohn, including unconditional parenting. In the homework myth, nationally known educator and parenting expert alfie kohn systematically examines the usual defenses of homeworkthat it promotes higher achievement, reinforces learning, and teaches study skills and responsibility. With his new book, the homework myth, expert alfie kohn says no. Jul 29, 20 homework is all pain and no gain, says author alfie kohn. Some of the most fundamental expectations of children, parents, and educators are that children need homework, that they should get homework, and that the more they get, the better. The homework myth by alfie kohn, 9780738211114, available at book depository with free delivery worldwide. Why our kids get too much of a bad thing, just published by da capo press. After spending most of the day in school, children are typically given additional assignments to be completed at home.
Moving from rewards and punishments to love and reason 2005. Nov 26, 2012 alfie kohn writes about what a new homework study really says and what it doesnt say. Oct 19, 2006 this is an excerpt from alfie kohn s recently published book the homework myth. Time magazine has described him as perhaps the countrys most outspoken critic of educations fixation on grades and test scores. This was written by alfie kohn, the author of 12 books about education and human behavior, including the schools our children deserve, the homework myth, and feelbad education. The positive effects of homework are largely mythical. Mar 08, 2007 the homework myth by alfie kohn deep in our gut, i think we all knew from our childhood experiences, that homework was a total crock. In preparation for a book on the topic, ive spent a lot of time sifting through the research. A brandnew study on the academic effects of homework offers not only some intriguing results but also a lesson on how to read a study and a reminder of the importance of doing just that.
None of these assumptions, he shows, actually passes the test of research, logic, or experience. Sep 19, 2006 in a recent series of books and articles including alfie kohns the homework myth, sara bennett and nancy kalishs the case against homework, and sympathetic pieces in slate, newsweek. After spending most of the day in school, students are given additional. In the homework myth, alfie kohn goes through the rationales for homework, one by one, and decimates them. Why our kids get too much of a bad thing ebook written by alfie kohn. Kohn s criticisms of competition and rewards have been widely discussed and debated, and he has been. We use cookies to give you the best possible experience. By alfie kohn for a more detailed look at the issues discussed here including a comprehensive list of citations to relevant research and a discussion of successful efforts to effect change please see the book the homework myth. This is a rather curious fact when you stop to think about it, but not as curious as the fact that few of us ever stop to think about it. Aug 14, 2007 the homework myth by alfie kohn, 9780738211114, available at book depository with free delivery worldwide. Theres something perversely fascinating about educational policies that. Why our children get too much of a bad thing 1st da capo press pbk. When they dont have homework, youre as happy as they are, maybe happier, because for one blessed evening you dont have to argue.
80 227 872 662 1543 585 1143 725 1094 1378 316 1168 873 164 266 1190 95 35 820 509 1407 1012 61 476 571 1370 415 192 1358 894 569 863 289 987 1169 972 1139 733 718 280 774 273 1323 1041 980 1008