Children under 10 years (up to Grade 6 in Maltese schools) should not be given more than 30 minutes of homework daily according to a new policy issued yesterday by the Education Ministry.
Based on research with educators, parents and children, the policy aims to act as a guideline on the amount and quality of homework to be assigned to students.
While opting not to follow the education system found in many EU Member States, where students are not given any homework at all, the new policy establishes the amount that should accompany students during their mandatory school years.
While limiting the amount of homework, the guidelines also encourage students and their parents or guardians to utilise their free time fruitfully, particularly through more participation in social activities, including sport.
Guidelines encourage the fruitful use of free time, particularly in social activities
According to the policy, launched yesterday by Education Minister Evarist Bartolo during a discussion with a group of students at the Naxxar primary, research has shown that if homework is assigned in a meaningful manner, in different degrees and quantities in relation to the school year and in relation to the learning needs of students, it will create positive results for the learning process.
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Overall, the policy states that homework should not exceed eight hours a week for those in the highest grades (see table).
This is decreased proportionally to no homework at all for students attending kindergarten or preschool classes.
The policy urges educators to include the use of technology in homework assignments and also defines the need for continuous communication between parents and teachers in case students are absent for long stretches from their classes.
Timing, scheduling and quantity of homework
Kindergarten (no homework)
Kindergarten educators may provide and recommend resources to support families in early-learning activities like playing, talking and reading together. It is important to consider that parental involvement increases student achievement.
Grades 1-2 (maximum 20 minutes)
At this age level, reading to and/or with children on a daily basis in one’s mother tongue increases student achievement. The major focus of any homework should be reading and interactive activities inc-luding play.
Grades 3-6 (30-45 minutes)
By year three, the amount of homework assigned should not exceed 30 minutes per day. Independent homework should be introduced and should not exceed 45 minutes per day by Grade 6. Gradual increments in the amount of homework given are advisable.
Grades 7-8 (maximum one hour)
While homework in these years can contribute to an improvement in student achievement, the total amount of homework should not exceed one hour per day. It is crucial that assigned homework is well-planned and coordinated between the teachers of different subjects.
Grades 9-11 (max. eight hours weekly)
While homework in these years contributes to an increase in student achievement, the total amount of homework assigned should not exceed eight hours per week. It is crucial that assigned homework is well-planned and coordinated between teachers of different subjects. It is also advisable that for students that proceed to year nine, homework demands should be increased gradually to minimise stress on students.