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The American Discourse On Homework, 1850-2003: Article Analysis

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The dreaded topic of homework is discussed in this article. Students in EDU 360/560 will use ERIC online to access the following document for this reflection assignment and post using the template below. Gill, B.P., & Schlossman, S. L. (2004). Villian or Savior? The American Discourse on Homework, 1850 - 2003. Theory Into Practice, 43(3), 174 - 181. I found this article at: http://www.history.cmu.edu/docs/schlossman/Villiain-or-Savior.pdf The article begins with the beginning of homework assignments in the early 19th century. Homework completion was viewed as a necessity in order to attend high school. The elementary grades were only committed to “two to three hours per week. (Gill & Schlossman, 2004 pg. 174). This was because the children of this time had to do labor work. They didn’t have a steady attendance …show more content…

Homework was a necessity because it was the only way the students were prepared for class the following day. By the 20th Century the PTA began to push their opinion in the battle of homework. They sought to have it irradiated as it was a distraction from the students learning process (Gill & Schlossman, 2004 pg. 175). There were pediatricians going as far to say that homework was the reason for the rise in health issues and the death toll. At this time educators, doctors, and scientists were all in agreeance that is was essential to educate the “whole child”. Thus, allowing time for distractions, play, and a life outside of school that was enriched. This would develop the child’s well-being in every aspect of life (Gill & Schlossman, 2004 pg. 176). During the Cold War, the issue of homework became a cause for concern. The Russians had achieved more than the American children. This began the achievement for excellence. As the curriculum in school changed homework was reinstated because the students needed to learn outside of school in order to prosper in academics (Gill & Schlossman, 2004

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